SENATOR Ramon ‘Bong’ Revilla, Jr. on Friday asked the Philippine National Police to verify reports on increasing abductions of children, mostly girls, by persons aboard white vans.

Such reports emerged in social media but were dismissed by the police as unverified and not true.

In his letter to PNP chief General Rodolfo S. Azurin, Jr., the lawmaker urged the PNP to seriously look into the matter.

“Ang mga kuwentong umiikot sa social media tungkol sa mga pandurukot umano involving itong mga puting van, kasama na rin ang mga social media posts ng mga nawawala lalo dito sa kalakhang Maynila ay dapat bigyan ng mabilisang pansin at aksiyon. Mahalagang matukoy natin kung may katotohanan sa mga balita ito, o kung may mga masasamang loob lamang na nais magpalaganap ng takot sa taumbayan,” Revilla said.

“If true, then the PNP should waste no effort in apprehending the perpetrators. If however they are proven to be hoaxes, then the PNP should not be content in just saying so, but ensure that those responsible are also identified and made accountable. As we ensure that no unnecessary worry is spread among the public, we must guarantee the safety of the people,” he stressed.

The senator said he has been approached by numerous parents expressing their anxiety over the safety of their children, especially with the resumption of face-to-face classes.

“Responsibilidad natin na kampantahin ang publiko at alisin ang mga agam-agam ng mga magulang, mag-aaral, at ng ating mga kababayan sa kabuuan. I challenge the new leadership of the PNP to address this and put closure on this issue,” he added.