National Missing Persons Week: Policarpio family renew tearful calls for missing 21-year-old son

The parents of missing 21-year-old man Jean Vincent Policarpio have made a desperate plea for their son to come home as the country marks the 30-year-anniversary of National Missing Persons Week.

Mr Policarpio, who is also known as Vince, was last seen at his family home in Bonner at approximately 9:30 pm on Tuesday 26 September last year.

No one has heard from or seen him since.

He left behind his phone, wallet, house keys and his family. It is unknown what Jean was wearing at the time of his disappearance, which direction he went or his method of transport.

His family faced the media this morning where his mother, Beth Policarpio, made a direct appeal to her son.

“It is almost a year since we last saw our son, Vince Policarpio,” Mrs Policarpio said. “We miss him so much.”

“Vince, if you are hearing this message, we want nothing more than to see you return home. There is not a day that we don’t think about you,” she said, her voice shaking.

“If you decide to stay out there, at least let us know that you are safe and well.”

Police and Mr Policarpio’s family are urging anyone who may have seen him or has any information about his whereabouts to contact police on 131 444.

“We continue to live in hope that we will see our son again. Anyone who has any knowledge about his whereabouts or information about his disappearance, we are urging you to please contact the police,” she said.

Vince Policarpio is described as Asian in appearance, 165cm tall, with black hair and a slim build.

He is one of 14 long-term missing people dating back to 1960 reported in the ACT, including two involving persons missing overseas.

Detective Superintendent Jamey Bellicanta said ACT Policing received 652 reports of missing people last year, with Mr Policarpio the only case outstanding.

As of the 3rd of August 2018, there have already been 427 reports of missing people this year. In the majority of cases, those missing are quickly reunited with their families but, unfortunately, this isn’t always the case.

Detective Superintendent Bellicanta said it was important for the public to give police all the facts and circumstances related to a missing person’s disappearance, including search efforts already made by the public.

“There is no timeframe to report someone as missing. You do not need to wait 24 hours,” he said.

“If a person’s whereabouts are unknown and there are fears for their safety or you have concerns for their welfare, contact ACT Policing immediately on 131 444 or attend your local police station.

“If a person’s disappearance is out of character, follow your instincts and report to the police immediately.”

Detective Superintendent Bellicanta said in some cases the missing person isn’t aware they have been reported missing.

“While going missing is not a crime in itself, when someone does go missing, their life may be in danger and they may be at an increased risk of falling victim to a crime,” he said.

“Some people choose to go missing. If you are one of those people, we ask that you contact police and if you wish to remain estranged from your family or friends, you can do so.

“Police will notify them that you are safe and well and no details are provided.”

How to report a missing person

Provide police with as much detail as possible including:

• the day, time and location the person was last seen
• description of the person’s appearance when they went missing – including clothing, hair colour, height, weight
• a recent photo of the person
• information about what occurred prior to the person going missing
• last known contact with the person
• names and contacts of friends and family the missing person frequently associates with
• any medications or medical conditions the person may have
• places the person may visit
• mobile phone numbers of the person
• any bank details
• vehicles owned or known to be driven by the person