‘Marital conflict’ to blame for 36 child kidnappings – NCRPO

MANILA, Philippines -  Couples battling over child custody are to blame for most of the 38 kidnappings of children in Metro Manila from January 2012 to March this year, a National Capital Region Police Office (NCRPO) official said yesterday.

“Most of the cases are due to marital conflict,” NCRPO chief Director Leonardo Espina said as he noted that 36 of the kidnapped children are in the custody of their parents or legal guardians.

As for the two children who disappeared in Taguig during the Holy Week, Espina said the city’s police chief, Senior Superintendent Arthur Asis, is personally handling the investigation.

“We expect the chief of police of Taguig to submit his report the soonest possible time,” said Espina, adding that he directed his five police district directors to work vigorously to stop child abductions in their jurisdiction.

Earlier, Malacañang ordered the Philippine National Police to look into the cases of kidnapped children in Metro Manila.

“The NCRPO has directed all units to immediately investigate reported cases of missing children,” said deputy presidential spokesperson Abigail Valte as she asked parents to report immediately cases of missing children so authorities could act on them promptly.