A man was arrested by the police for allegedly trying to abduct a five-year-old boy in front of a school in Novaliches, Quezon City on Thursday, Sept. 1.
The Quezon City Police District (QCPD) identified the suspect as Michael Buenaventura, 43, from Caloocan City.
Police said that around 10:30 a.m. on Thursday, the suspect introduced himself to the teacher of the victim as his parent who came to pick him up at Goodwill II Elementary School in Barangay Bagbag, Novaliches.
It added that the victim panicked after he was grabbed by the suspect which a started a commotion. A witness asked for help from bystanders.
Patrolling police officers in the school and some barangay public security officers (BPSO) immediatey arrested Buenaventura.
The suspect is now under police custody and will be charged with abduction in relation to Republic Act 7610 or the “Special Protection of Children Against Abuse, Exploitation, and Discrimination Act.
“Patuloy tayong nakikipatulungan sa ating mga kapulisan upang bantayang mabuti ang ating mga eskwelahan katuwang ng ating mga BPSO upang masiguo nating ligtas ang bawat mag-aaral sa ating lungsod,” Quezon City Mayor Joy Belmonte said. (We are in close coordination with the police and barangay leaders in providing security to our schools to ensure the safety of our students.)
Brig. Gen. Nicolas Torre III, QCPD chief, urged the public, especially the parents, to closely check on their children.
He also assured that the QCPD personnel will conduct police visibility and patrol to prevent a similar incident from happening.