In 2021, Tom Phillips and the mother of his children, Cat, reportedly had a dispute at their family home, leading to Tom and their three kids suddenly disappearing.

Since then, Cat has been tirelessly searching for her children with little success in finding Ember, 8, Maverick, 9, and Jayda, 11—until recently.

A family believed to be Tom Phillips and his children were spotted in Marokopa, NZ (1News)

Nearly three years after their disappearance, a group of young hunters in Marokopa, New Zealand, believe they stumbled upon the three missing kids. In the footage they captured, their father, Tom, is also seen walking through the wilderness with the children following him.

After police confirmed the video’s credibility, Cat spoke out, urging Tom to turn himself in. Reflecting on seeing the footage, she shared, “I just broke down. I couldn’t see their faces, but I could see them walking, and they’re all there, carrying their own bags.”

In an interview with The New Zealand Herald, Cat expressed concern for her kids, stating they “shouldn’t have to worry about where they’re going to sleep or if they’ll be warm.”

The grandfather of one of the 16-year-olds who took the crucial video, John McOviney, shared details of the encounter. The hunters asked the children who else knew they were there, to which they reportedly replied, “Only you.” Then, they continued walking, carrying large packs.

Chilling response kids who vanished with father three years ago had when  confronted by hunters - UNILAD

Tom, who was seen carrying a gun during the encounter, likely kept them moving, which is why the teenagers didn’t intervene further.

Cat expressed deep gratitude to the hunters for coming forward with the video, saying, “I am so grateful to him. So many people see things but don’t have the courage to speak out.”

This sighting follows an intensified police search earlier in June, during which a reward of $80,000 NZD ($48,800 USD) was offered for information leading to the safe return of Ember, Maverick, and Jayda. Unfortunately, the offer expired on June 25.