3 years after the disappearance, the father and his three children were photographed in the forest

ShA New Zealand man, Tom Phillips, who has been missing for three years with his three children, was filmed in a wooded area on the west coast of New Zealand’s North Island, local broadcaster TVNZ reported. He and the children, aged between 8 and 11, were seen by hunters wearing camouflage clothing and carrying backpacks, giving the impression they were prepared to survive in the wild.

After the confrontation, one of the fishermen informed the police, who began a search operation with two helicopters and ground patrols, but they did not succeed in locating the group. Phillips, who does not have legal custody of his children, has been wanted by authorities since his disappearance, which occurred after an argument with his wife.

In recent years, Tom Phillips has been spotted several times, including at a supermarket where he allegedly stole a car. In another incident, in November 2023, he and one of his sons were accused of robbing a store and taking a bicycle. Phillips is also suspected of involvement in a bank robbery.

The children’s mother, upon learning of the video, expressed her relief when she learned that her children were alive. Authorities believe Phillips is receiving help from others, and have issued a plea: “Whoever is helping, please do the right thing and provide information to police.”

The search for the whereabouts of Phillips and his children continues, as authorities intensify their efforts to locate the group.

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