Cops: Two child witnesses ‘gone’

CEBU, Philippines - Did Talisay Mayor Johnny De los Reyes lie about the whereabouts of the two children who are witnesses in the arson case against him?

The Talisay police have confirmed that the children are not with the Department of Social Welfare and Development, contrary to what De los Reyes said earlier.

Supt. Reycel Carmelo Dayon said a document they obtained from DSWD itself said the children, four and two years old, respectively, are not with the agency.

“Naa mi report nakuha sa City Hall nga naa kuno diri gi-rescue, gi-custody ang mga bata so mao to nangayo ko’g certification. Wala man daw taga Talisay. Didto pud sa DSWS (Department of Social Welfare Services) sa Talisay City, wala pud daw didto,” Dayon said.

The children have reportedly given vital information about the case in an initial interview.

The children are also not with Children of Cebu Foundation, the organization confirmed in a separate certification.

“Wa sila motug-an sa tinuod kay ingon sila nga naa diri sa Parian Drop-in,” Dayon said.

The Talisay police went to DSWD and CCF after getting feedback from the Talisay City Hall that the organizations have custody of the children.

Dayon said the children were usually seen at the police station where they would watch television but they have reportedly stopped going there a week after the incident.

“After one week sa incident nawala na didto, wala na magsuroy-suroy. Sa ako lang, nawala na akong mga potential nga testigos,” he said. — Bryner L. Diaz/JMO (FREEMAN)