In the quiet countryside of New Zealand, a mother is desperately clinging to hope as she continues her search for her three children, who vanished alongside their fugitive father three years ago.
Cat, the mother of Jayda, Maverick, and Ember, has endured years of uncertainty and fear, and now wonders if her daughter recently sent a subtle cry for help.
The Disappearance and Return
It all began on September 11, 2021, when Tom Phillips, the children’s father, took Jayda (then 11), Maverick (9), and Ember (8), and disappeared.
A few weeks later, the family reappeared briefly, returning to the family farm after spending time living in a tent in the dense bushland.
However, they vanished again in December 2021, and since then, it is believed they have been living off the land, isolated from the world.
A Shocking Sighting
In a surprising twist, Phillips and the children were recently spotted by two teenage pig hunters on a remote coastal farm near Marokopa.
The hunters, thinking they had encountered poachers, called out to the group.
Jayda responded in a way that has left her mother wondering if there was more behind her words.
One of the teens recalled Jayda’s response when he asked if anyone knew they were there: “No, just you guys.”
Cat, watching the footage of this encounter, is now questioning if her daughter was trying to send a message.
“Is that her way of saying, ‘Does anybody know we’re here? Is anyone coming for us?’” she said in a televised interview.
She believes her daughter may have been afraid of speaking too directly with her father nearby, concerned about the consequences of saying too much.
Living in the Wild
When spotted, Phillips and the children were dressed in camouflage gear, carrying large backpacks.
They appeared to be living a rugged, survivalist lifestyle. Phillips walked ahead of his children, while they followed in a line.
Despite the harsh conditions, Cat found some solace in seeing them capable of carrying their gear, though the reality of their situation weighed heavily on her.
Criticism of the Police Response
Cat expressed her frustration with the police’s handling of the case, feeling that authorities haven’t acted swiftly or aggressively enough to bring her children home.
She expected immediate action, such as deploying search teams with sniffer dogs, but was disappointed by the delayed response.
“The system has failed my children miserably,” she said, emphasizing that they deserve a normal life with friends and the freedom to enjoy simple pleasures.
Coping with Loss
In the absence of her children, Cat has struggled to maintain her sense of self.
She admits that she often tries to block out the reality of their disappearance just to cope with the overwhelming emotions.
She has two other daughters from a previous relationship, but the loss of Jayda, Maverick, and Ember has left her feeling “lost.”
“I feel like I didn’t fight hard enough,” Cat shared. “I feel like it’s my fault.”
A Controlling Relationship
Reflecting on her relationship with Phillips, Cat described him as controlling, restricting her independence, and limiting her ability to make decisions about their children.
She believes his actions have crossed into dangerous territory, saying, “Supporting Thomas is essentially supporting child abuse because that’s what it is.”
The Hunt for Phillips
Authorities have linked Phillips to a recent armed robbery at a bank in Te Kuiti, and there is evidence suggesting that one of his children, likely Jayda, was with him during the incident.
While there have been several unverified sightings of Phillips over the years, the footage captured by the pig hunters is considered the most credible.
An $80,000 reward for information leading to the children’s whereabouts was offered earlier this year, but it expired without success, despite over 40 significant sightings reported to police.
What Comes Next?
For Cat, the journey is far from over.
She continues to hold out hope for the safe return of her children, but the uncertainty and lack of concrete answers weigh heavily on her.
As the search for Phillips and the children continues, Cat remains determined to see her family reunited, but the road ahead remains unclear.