The family of three children who disappeared with their father into the wilderness four years ago has broken their silence.
In 2021, Tom Phillips along with his children, Jayda, 12, Maverick, 10, and Ember, 9, left their home in New Zealand after an alleged argument with their mother, Cat.
A nationwide search has been ongoing since then, with the last confirmed sighting of the children recorded on October 3 of the previous year.
A group of teenagers reportedly saw Tom and the children trekking through the bush and captured a video of them.
At that time, Cat expressed her gratitude towards the teenagers for recording the footage, saying it felt like an early Christmas present.
However, she accused her former partner of using the children as “just pawns in this game” and suggested he was trying to “teach [her] a lesson.”
Recently, Tom’s family has decided to speak out, making a direct appeal to him.
His mother, Julia, wrote a heartfelt note: “Everyday I wake up and hope that today will be the day that you all come home,” according to the BBC.
“Tom – I feel really sad that you thought you had to do this. Not considering how much we love you and can support you. It hurts every time I see photos of the children and of you and see some of your stuff that is still here.”
She continued: “Jayda, Maverick, Ember – I love you so much and really miss being part of your lives.”
Rozzi Phillips, Tom’s sister, told New Zealand news site Stuff, “There’s a lot of love and there’s a lot of support, and we’re ready to help you walk through what you need to walk through.”
“I miss you, and I miss being part of your life, and I really want to see you and the kids and be part of your lives again,” she added.
Rozzi believes her brother, a skilled builder, might have constructed a shelter for them in the bush.
Authorities believe Tom fled with the children following a lost custody battle and has been residing in the western Waikato region of the North Island.
A reward of NZ$80,000 for information on their whereabouts was announced last year.
Teenage pig hunters reportedly encountered the family in Marokopa, noticing Tom armed and with a long beard, while the children wore masks and carried their own packs.
They claimed to have spoken briefly with one child, who allegedly responded, “Only you,” when asked if anyone knew they were there, as reported by New Zealand’s 1News.
An arrest warrant has been issued for Tom in connection with an alleged bank robbery in Te Kuiti, with police suggesting he had an accomplice.
Authorities have cautioned the public against approaching Tom, suspecting he is armed, and believe he may be receiving help to avoid capture.