3 missing kids found in Benguet mine town

BAGUIO CITY –– Police rescued three children on Tuesday, a day after they were allegedly taken by a construction worker in Itogon town, Benguet province.

The children, who are cousins, were found safe at Sitio Tuwap in Barangay Gumatdang in Itogon with the suspect, Rogel Fernandez, 48.

Police Major Rommel Sawatang, Itogon police chief, said they tracked down Fernandez after the children’s parents had told them that the boy and two girls, age 7 to 8, were last seen with Fernandez in Gumatdang.

The suspect was arrested and charged with kidnapping and violation of the anti-child abuse law.

The children were turned over to Itogon social workers, but the police did not say why they were taken.

LZB