NCRPO chief says no indications Ica Policarpio was kidnapped
The authorities said there are no signs yet confirming that missing teenager Patricia "Ica" Policarpio had been kidnapped. Bea Policarpio, Facebook
MANILA, Philippines — National Capital Region Police Office chief Oscar Albayalde on Sunday said that so far there were no indications that Patricia “Ica” Policarpio who went missing was kidnapped.
But Albayalde added that authorities are still not ruling out that possibility as investigations are still ongoing.
“We cannot rule out anything yet,” Albayalde told the reporters.
“Hayaan muna nating makapagpahinga yung bata at makapagkuwento sa magulang niya (Let her rest and tell her parents what happened),” he added.
According to Albayalde, the 17-year-old was found by concerned citizens in San Pablo City, Laguna. Policarpio was then turned over to barangay officials.
READ: 'Christmas miracle': Missing teen Ica found in Laguna
Albayalde said the NCRPO is looking into the person who helped Policarpio to determine if she was kidnapped or not. He also said they are determining if she was forced to leave home.
The NCRPO chief shared that Policarpio was reported missing by her family last Thursday. The only initial information they had was that she was last seen at a coffee shop in Sucat, Parañaque City wearing eyeglasses, white sneakers and two sweaters.
He said they then immediately alerted the police stations nationwide as well as media friends and state agencies to help find the 12th grader.
Recovery of Ica a 'classic public cooperation'
The Southern Police District also formed a special task group to bring home the teen. The tracker team was headed by Muntinlupa City police chief Senior Superintendent Dante Novicio. They also set up a hotline where an influx of information on the teen’s whereabouts was received.
The Policarpio family earlier took to social media to appeal for help from the public.
On Saturday, a Twitter user named Danica Bragado posted a photo of a possible look-alike of the missing teen in a mall in San Pablo, Laguna. This tweet led to her recovery.
@beapolicarpio I hope po na makauwi na siya. Sa Starbucks po yan sa SM San Pablo. Hope I could help. At sana siya talaga yun. #FindIca pic.twitter.com/iSuqd5FWS0
— Danica (@daaamndanica) December 23, 2017
Albayalde, who described Policarpio’s recovery as a “classic example of public cooperation,” thanked everyone who helped in finding the missing teenager.
“We express our gratitude to the public for their support and help,” Albayalde said.
- Latest
- Trending
