The Things Aydo Left Behind
By Candice Reyes
Glenda Ancheta, or “Baby” as her father fondly called her, left for Dubai to work as a driver on May 28, 2006. She was on a 6-month work contract since she wanted to be home for Christmas. But one ill-fated day brought her back sooner than she expected.
Leopoldo Ancheta or “Aydo”, as Baby fondly called him, was abducted on June 24, 2006 in Guiguinto, Bulacan, almost a month after she left. He was on his way home, walking from where his companions dropped him off. Suddenly, four armed men appeared by his side and forced him into a vehicle. Witnesses said that Aydo tried to fight back. They also tried to help him but were threatened by the armed men. Two days later, Aydo’s companions, Celina Palma, Gloria Soco and Prudencio Calubid, were also abducted by armed men using the same vehicle that took Aydo away. The vehicle was believed to be owned by military elements.
The threats to her father's life were not a secret to Baby. But she had a hard time working, eating and sleeping when she learned of what happened to Aydo. Baby wanted to fly home as soon as she heard the news. But she was ordered to pay her agency quite a sum of money—a sum she didn't have. Fortunately, her husband and relatives managed to borrow the money she needed. Since Baby’s arrival in July 2006, Baby’s search for a father’s welcome-home embrace has not ended.