Police: Children 'kidnapped' in Taguig already home

MANILA, Philippines – The Southern Police District on Thursday clarified that four children reported missing in Taguig were not abducted and were already home.

“No abduction and/or kidnapping happened po. Napagalitan lang po ng magulang yung mga bata kaya sila naglayas at yung mga bata naman ay naiuwi na sa kanilang magulang,” SPD spokesperson Superintendent Jenny Tecson said in a released statement.

On Tuesday, a woman who refused to disclose her name, called a radio station to report that her 15-year-old granddaughter was abducted along MLQ Road in Taguig City. In the radio report, the woman said the girl was taken on Sunday and that her granddaughter had even asked her for help.

The woman added her grandchild told her that several others had been kidnapped. The supposed abduction victims were reportedly not being fed and were threatened with death.

Another barangay official also reportedly claimed that three other girls were consecutively abducted in their area.

Tecson however, denied these claims. She said that the Taguig police have already brought the four missing children to their parents.

She added that parents can clarify the news.

“Willing po yung parents na makipagusap sa media natin para maitama po yung naunang ulat na lumabas po na walang ganung insidente po at walang lola na tumawag po,” Tecson said.

“Regarding naman po dun sa babae na isa pang nawawala accordingly medyo may problema lang po yun at sumakay ng bus papuntang Bicol. Likewise po sinundo siya ng pulis natin from Taguig at nakauwi na rin po," she added. —Rosette Adel