Hello everyone,

We are Michael’s family, and we are writing this with heavy but hopeful hearts.

Michael is our brother, our son, our loved one. He’s a kind, gentle, trusting man from Brisbane in his 40s who set off overseas hoping for a fresh start. What followed has been something no family ever expects to face.

Over the past few years, Michael became financially and emotionally entangled in a deeply unhealthy relationship. He loaned over $70,000 to his former partner for what he believed was urgent family property assistance. We later discovered that money had been gambled away. Through what we now understand as trauma bonding and coercive control, he became increasingly isolated from us.

His phone and Facebook access appeared to be controlled. The messages we received were scripted, infrequent, and completely unlike him. We feared he may have been trapped in a scam-related or coercive environment. Despite multiple attempts to send funds to help him return home, those efforts never resulted in him being able to leave — likely due to the same isolation and control.

Recently, thanks to the incredible work of Manila-based vlogger and actress Carrie Laine Abad, Michael has been physically located. For that, we are deeply grateful. However, we will not truly rest until he is safely back on Australian soil.

We are now working closely with Australian International Affairs and the Philippine Bureau of Immigration to coordinate his repatriation. The situation is fragile. Michael is anxious, emotionally exhausted, and facing 1.5 years of visa overstay penalties that must be settled before he can legally depart the Philippines.

This is where we humbly ask for your help.

We are committed to being fully transparent. All funds raised will go directly toward bringing Michael home safely and supporting his immediate recovery:

• Overstay fees and Bureau of Immigration penalties

(Estimated AUD $800–$2,000 — we will update once finalised)

• One-way flight from Manila to Australia

(Approx. AUD $1000)

• Daily expenses during the repatriation process

(Accommodation, food, transport, and essentials — approx. AUD $2000)

• Immediate medical and mental health support

(Assessments, counselling, medication for stabilising anxiety — approx. AUD $2000)

• Passport updates, emergency documents, emigration clearance and minor processing fees ($150)

Any surplus funds will go directly toward Michael’s early recovery in Australia — therapy, essential living setup, groceries.

Our Goal: AUD $5,000

This is a realistic target that covers the remaining legal, travel, and immediate recovery costs required to safely bring him back to home.

We are very grateful for all the support given in this time of need.

Please watch Carrie's verified update video (@Carrie Laine Abad on YouTube, Instagram or Facebook)