Cops rescue snatched Filipino-Japanese girl

MANILA, Philippines - Police have rescued a three-year-old Filipino-Japanese girl allegedly kidnapped by her uncle in Barangay South Cembo, Makati City last Wednesday.

The disappearance of Sarika Hayashi was reported to the Makati police on Jan. 28 by her mother Janet Baniqued Hayashi, 29, her husband Tatsuhiko Hayashi and her sister Myra Baniqued Monreal.

The three complained that the girl was snatched by her uncle Arnulfo Monreal, 35, who is Myra’s former husband.

Myra told police that she received a text message from an unknown number, asking for P3 million in exchange for Sarika’s release.

Initial police investigation showed that before the girl disappeared, Monreal went to the victim’s house on Jan. 26.

Police later secured a CCTV from Barangay South Cembo, which showed Sakira walking toward Kalayaan Avenue with Monreal.

The suspect showed up at the Makati police headquarters last Tuesday to deny any participation in Sakira’s disappearance.

During questioning, investigators showed Monreal the CCTV clip.

At this point, he broke down and admitted snatching the girl.

He said he left Sarika along the East Service Road near the gate of the Department of Science and Technology building in Upper Bicutan in Taguig at around 6 p.m. on Sunday.

The girl was found by policemen also in Barangay Upper Bicutan after three days.

Monreal has been charged with kidnapping before the Makati City prosecutor’s office. He is currently detained at the Makati police jail.