Above: Michael Masaoay in 1989 (left) and an age-progressed image to 40, circa 2012 (right)

Michael Omas Masaoay

Last seen in San Francisco, California on January 25th, 1989.

Vital statistics: Asian (Filipino) male. Born on June 25, 1972. Thick black hair, brown eyes. He wears glasses and has white scars covering his body. Last seen wearing a black jacket, blue pants, a purple shirt, and white high-top shoes. He was carrying a duffel bag with a clarinet and books in it; it has since been recovered with part of the clarinet inside. Was sixteen at the time.

Circumstances: He was last seen walking to school. He disappeared under suspicious circumstances. Classified as a Non-Family Abduction.

Theories: The exact circumstances behind Masaoay's disappearance are not known. In the California Missing Persons Registry, he is classified as "Unknown Circumstances." Police suspect he was taken against his will, but have not released any details that suggest so. This leads to the possibility, however small, that he left of his own accord. But if that was so, why dump his duffel bag? Perhaps this is because it only had school-related items. However, the bag contained a clarinet. Children, especially teenagers, do not take music lessons unless they want to. It is likely he would have brought it with him if he left. Street music is an easy way to make money. However, the finding of part of the clarinet makes this unlikely. The other possibility is that he was indeed taken against his will. But who would take a sixteen year old boy? He does not seem to come from an affluent family. This of course does not rule out abduction, but if it is indeed the case it was for unknown, but probably sinister, reasons. But we are looking for a person, not a body, and we should treat Masaoay as a person that is possibly still living.

If you have any information on Masaoay's wherebouts, please e-mail For The Lost at this address. Or you may contact the San Francisco police department at 415-558-5515. All tips sent by e-mail will be kept confidential.

Information used to compile this case file came from the following locations:
The National Center For Missing and Exploited Children
The Charley Project
The Doe Network
San Francisco Police Department
California Missing Persons Registry
NamUs National Missing Persons Data System

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