Pasig City police operatives rescued six children from two men who allegedly attempted to abduct them in Barangay Rosario, Pasig City.

Authorities said the suspects identified as Melvin Labuan, 47, and Ricardo Obenieta Jr., 45, were nabbed on on Friday, June 21.

They said two of the victims were 14 years old, while four others were 11, nine, five, and three years old, all residents of Barangay Rosario in Pasig.

Police investigation disclosed that Labuan invited one of the 14-year-old victims to have some milk tea in another place, which the victim accepted. She was accompanied by her two siblings, a friend, and the five-and three-year-old children whom she was taking care of at the time.

The victims then boarded the taxi driven by Obenieta.

While traveling along Westbank Road in Barangay Rosario, the taxi was flagged down by police officers at a checkpoint, after the lawmen saw one of the victims sticking his hand and head out of the vehicle's window.

The police officers immediately asked the suspects why the boy was doing that, and the suspects said that the boy just felt lightheaded and was throwing up.

However, the police became suspicious after seeing the number of minors inside the vehicle, prompting them to further question the suspects.

The victims then revealed that they did not know taxi driver, saying that they only knew Labuan because he was also a resident of Barangay Rosario.

They added that their parents were unaware of their whereabouts.

Because of the children's statements, police immediately called one of the victims’ parents, who confirmed that they did not know anything about Labuan's invitation to the kids.

After confirming the information, the police brought the suspects to Barangay Rosario for documentation and later to the police station for further investigation and proper action.

The suspects are now in police custody and are facing charges for violation of Republic Act 7610, or the Special Protection of Children Against Child Abuse, Exploitation, and Discrimination Act.

Meanwhile, National Capital Region Police Office (NCRPO) director MGen. Jose Melencio Nartatez Jr. lauded the attentiveness and vigilance of the personnel of the Pasig City Police.

He said they ensured the safety of the children and the immediate apprehension of the suspects.

He added that they have maximized their deployment on major thoroughfares and streets of the National Capital Region to effectively protect the community.

“Nailigtas natin sila sa kapahamakan na maaaring naghihintay sa kanila, lalo na’t hindi alam ng kanilang mga magulang ang kinaroroonan nila. Magsilbi sana itong aral sa atin na bantayang maigi ang ating mga anak at maging mapagmatiyag sa anumang oras. Maaaring mag-report sa pinakamalapit na presinto o istasyon kung mayroong kahina-hinalang tao, gawain o pangyayari sa inyong mga lugar upang agad na marespondehan (We saved them from harm that might have been waiting for them, especially since their parents didn't know where they were. This should serve as a lesson to the parents to watch their children carefully and be vigilant at all times. You can report to the nearest precinct or station if there is a suspicious person, activity, or event in your area in order to be addressed immediately),” Nartatez said.