Father Joins Search For Missing Daughter

With each passing day, the worst case scenario becomes more and more likely, but there’s still a glimmer of hope that Christina Calayca, who vanished while out on a jog at Rainbow Falls Provincial Park east of Thunder Bay , will be found alive. 

O.P.P. officers and up to 100 volunteers were out at first light Monday to continue looking for the 20-year-old, who vanished in the densely wooded area eight days ago.  She had gone camping with her female cousin and two male friends.  One of the men was the last to see her before she disappeared.  So far, however, police don’t suspect foul play.

On Monday, the missing day-care worker’s family decided they couldn’t sit back any longer and watch from the sidelines. Christina’s father, Mario, and 7 other relatives are making the 14-hour journey north to aid in the search, and to try and convince the O.P.P. to continue their own efforts.

“We believe she’s there, and so obviously we don’t want them to scale back their search,” said Bayani Caguicla, Christina’s Godfather. 

“We just don’t want to go out there and come back without her. We want to come back with her or at least knowing what exactly is going on,” adds uncle Ken West.

On Monday the OPP underwater search unit was checking bodies of water in the area for any sign of her, while a helicopter was scanning the area from above. 

So far searchers on foot have combed nearly eight kilometres from their initial starting point.

Despite his brave optimism, Calayca’s father is beginning to fear the worst.

“I thought I was tough, but as days pass by, it’s just too much. Too much to handle,” he said.

“Now, little by little, it’s sinking that there might be a chance that I’ll never see her again.”

“The only thing I hope, though, is the O.P.P. or the officers and the park rangers would allow us to help them. It will encourage me not to just give up or just lose hope, and that’s the only thing I can do.”

Calayca’s family is inviting the public to come to a prayer vigil in Scarborough Wednesday night.

The event will be held August 15 at 6:15 p.m. at Prince of Peace Catholic Church at 265 Alton Towers Circle, southeast of Steeles Avenue and McCowan Road.

Calayca’s co-workers are also in the process of planning a vigil, the details of which haven’t yet been released.

If you know anything that could help authorities call 1-888-310-1122 or OPP Sgt. Deb Tully at (807) 829-7082 (local number for Thunder Bay area).