A Dubai-based Filipino mother from Abu Hail expressed her gratitude to the community after her 20-year-old son, who had been missing for five days, was found safe.
On Monday evening, 40-year-old Annabel Hilo Abing turned to social media, pleading for help after her son, Mark Lester Abing, left their home unnoticed on Thursday, November 14.
Annabel shared that since her son disappeared, the family had been tirelessly searching. They contacted local hospitals, filed reports, and posted in community groups, but only gained attention when she shared the story on her personal Facebook profile on Monday night.
Shortly after Khaleej Times published the news at 8:30 am on Tuesday, Annabel received a promising phone call. A woman informed her that she had seen Mark in the Hor Al Anz area, near the Bangladesh consulate. After confirming his identity with a photo, Annabel went to the location and brought her son home.
Once reunited, Annabel took Mark to the hospital for a medical checkup, where doctors confirmed he was in good health. She shared her immense relief, saying, “I feel so much lighter now.”
Annabel explained that her son, who has schizophrenia, used a spare key he found in his grandmother’s room to leave the house unnoticed. He is not allowed to go out alone, and she suspects he left in search of cigarettes.
This incident was not the first time Mark went missing. Just three weeks earlier, he had disappeared for four days before being found at a nearby cafeteria.
Annabel expressed her heartfelt thanks to everyone who supported the search, saying, “We found him. Thank you, everyone. It’s heartwarming how we help each other. God bless everyone.”
Her sister-in-law, Nikki, also shared a message of gratitude on social media, thanking the community and strangers who offered their time and resources to assist.
“Thank you to everyone for your effort, time, and prayers. To those who lent us cars, searched tirelessly, and shared our posts, your kindness means so much. You made this possible.”
This story highlights the power of community in overcoming challenging times.
