Ferry Passenger Disappears En Route to Negros

Photo courtesy of Balita

A call for public assistance intensifies as the Villaluz family seeks help to locate 53-year-old Danilo Villaluz. He disappeared while traveling on the Batangas–Caticlan ferry on the night of December 13, en route to Negros. The family expected him to reach Bacolod by the afternoon of December 14 but received no further communication after his last message.

Danilo decided to visit his hospitalized sibling in South Bacolod General Hospital. Before the ferry departed at 9:00 PM, he contacted his family, expressing excitement and even sending a selfie, stating he would rest. However, the next morning, no messages came from Danilo, prompting initial thoughts of a dead cellphone battery.

Family worries escalated when a ferry staff member answered Danilo's phone past 11:00 PM and outlined the situation. The ferry company confirmed Danilo was on board, and later, a passenger found his belongings—backpack, sling bag, shoes, ID, money, and cellphone—but Danilo himself was missing.

The Philippine Coast Guard has initiated search and rescue operations. The Villaluz family remains hopeful, pleading for anyone with knowledge of Danilo's whereabouts to come forward. Meanwhile, they await an official statement from the ferry operator regarding the incident, reported Balita.

Key Takeaways

• Danilo Villaluz vanished while traveling on the Batangas-Caticlan ferry.
• The Philippine Coast Guard is conducting search and rescue operations.
• The family pleads for information and awaits an explanation from the ferry operator.

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  Adapted by ASEAN Now from Balita 2025-12-17