- Police dispel kidnapping rumors of missing minors
THE DAVAO City Police Office (DCPO) located three female minors who were reported missing on Saturday night, Dec. 13, in Purok 4, Barangay Mintal, Tugbok District, quickly dispelling initial kidnapping fears.
Col Mannan Caracas Muarip, acting DCPO chief, confirmed that the children were found safe and have been reunited with their families.
The incident began after the three kids failed to return home at the expected time, causing alarm among their parents and prompting a police investigation. According to multiple Facebook posts, five minors were reportedly forced into a black van, but one managed to escape.
“Our investigation revealed that there was no kidnapping incident,” Muarip stated. “The minors were only accompanied for Christmas caroling by individuals unknown to them, which caused alarm when they did not return home at the expected time. They were not harmed, and no criminal act was committed against them.”
While commending concerned citizens for promptly reporting the missing children, Muarip reminded netizens about responsible social media use.
“I strongly urge the public to exercise responsibility in the use of social media. Posting or sharing unverified information without proper validation from authorities can create unnecessary fear, panic, and confusion within the community,” he warned.
In light of the incident and the ongoing Yuletide season, Muarip reiterated the DCPO’s commitment to child protection and community safety, urging increased vigilance from all sectors.
Muarip also asked parents and guardians to “closely monitor the activities and whereabouts of their children at all times.” Finally, he reminded barangay officials to “remain vigilant and proactive in overseeing the welfare and safety of their respective constituents.”
The DCPO encouraged the community to work closely with law enforcement by promptly reporting any suspicious activity to the nearest police station and to rely solely on official and verified information released by the Philippine National Police and the Davao City Police Office.
