DILG Investigating Kidnapping Of Children

MANILA, Philippines - Malacañang said yesterday the Department of Interior and Local Government (DILG) is conducting an investigation into the spate of kidnapping of children in Metro Manila and nearby provinces.

"Pinapaimbestiga kung paano at bakit nagkakaroon ng prevalence of kidnapping ng mga bata [There is an investigation on how and why there is a prevalence of kidnapping among children]," Presidential Spokesman Edwin Lacierda said in a press briefing yesterday.

"We have asked (DILG) Secretary [Jesse] Robredo to look into it," he said.

The order came after reports of a foiled attempt to kidnap two girls, aged three and four, in Quezon City by men who attempted to drag the children into a van. The mother of the children fought off the would-be kidnappers, who wore balaclavas to hide their identity, with a badminton racket. The men escaped in the van.


The probe also comes after two other children aged three and four from Meycauayan, Bulacan, who were earlier reported missing by their parents, were later found in Pulilan.

The children were said to have been kidnapped by a woman who reportedly forced to beg alms on the streets.

Lacierda underscored that par¬ents should be responsible in ensur¬ing their children's safety.

"I think hindi na sila dapat sabi¬han, responsibilidad nila yan eh [I think there is no need to warn them because it's their responsibility as parents]," he said.

"Alam nila bilang magulang na lalo na panahon ng bakasyon, ang mga bata ay siguraduhin lang nila na nasa ligtas [As parents, they should make sure that their children are kept safe, especially during this time when they are on vacation from school]," Lacierda said.