A devastated mom has spoken out after her three children were captured on video after they had vanished with their fugitive father three years ago.
In September of 2021, Tom Phillips went missing with his three children - Jayda, 11, Maverick, nine, and Ember, eight. Although he turned up a month later, the father and children once again went off the grid in December 2021.
Shortly after going missing with the children, an arrest warrant was issued by police in New Zealand. Phillips is also wanted for allegedly robbing a bank in Te Kuiti - a town located on the North Island of New Zealand - at gunpoint in May 2023.
After evading authorities for three years, the latest update has brought heartache and hope to the children's mother, Cat.
On October 3, teenage hunters captured the father and the three children on camera walking on a remote coastal farm near Marokop.
Despite multiple potential sightings over the last few years, this was the first time the children had been recorded on video -- and was the first time their mom had seen them alive in three years.
Speaking to local news outlet Stuff, one of the teenagers who recorded the family in the wilderness revealed that they were about 200 feet away from them, and that the eldest child, Jayda, responded when shouted at.
The teen said that he shouted: "This is private property."
To which, Jayda reportedly responded: "Yeah... duh."
One of the teenage boys then asked the family: "Does anyone know you're on here?"
"No, just you guys," Jayda responded.
Dad Phillips could be seen walking ahead of his three children, with the family dressed in camouflage and carrying backpacks. One of the teenagers revealed that he apparently saw the father carrying a gun, so he called the authorities shortly after spotting the family.
The footage has understandably left authorities, the public, and the children's mother desperate for answers.
Speaking to Mata Reports, the mom believes her daughter's responses were a plea for help.
In an emotional interview, the mom broke down in tears and said: "Is that a cry for help? Is that ‘Does anybody know that we’re here? Is anyone coming for us?‘"
Mom Cat continued: "It’s like she’s trying to say something without actually saying it because her father is right there. And she’s worried if she says the wrong thing and words it the wrong way, she’s worried about later repercussions."
Due to the footage being the first she has seen of her children in nearly three years, the mom explained her mixed feelings. "It was really good, they’re carrying their own gear, it’s the best news that anybody could hope for," Cat added.
However, the mom is understandably still desperate to have her children home. "I can’t imagine what they’ve endured in these three years, it’s just wrong on so many levels," she said. "I just want my babies home."
In another interview with the New Zealand Herald, mom Cat added that the children's father is "trying to teach me a lesson", adding: "He doesn’t care for them, they’re just pawns in this game."
She also expressed her gratitude to the teenager hunters, saying: "I am so grateful to him and I cannot express myself enough because so many people see things out there and they don’t have the courage to come forward."
Shortly after the footage was reported, authorities swamped the area - with a helicopter and a military chopper equipped with night vision.
Per News.com.au, Detective Inspector Andrew Saunders has described the footage as "a positive line of inquiry".
"Patrols began in the area on Thursday night and a search was launched the following morning," Saunders continued. "While nothing further of significance was located, investigators will now assess information gathered to determine any next steps.
"This is the first time all three of the children have been sighted, which is positive information, and we know it will be reassuring for the children’s wider family."
Over the last few years, there have been 40 unverified sightings of the missing family members. But police say the teenagers' footage is the most credible yet.
Saunders also added that the next steps are being kept quiet "for operational reasons", but added: "We want to reassure the public that we have the resources in place to respond to any information or reports of sightings that come in.
“Our focus is very much on the safe return of Jayda, Maverick, and Ember to their whānau [the Maori word for family] and we are doing all that we can to make that happen."
Per 1News, loved ones of the missing children believe a tight-knit circle of supporters is secretly helping Phillips survive in the wilderness.
The public has been urged NOT to approach the family if they are spotted, over fears that Phillips may be armed and dangerous.
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