Suspect in kidnap of 6-month-old baby arrested

MANILA, Philippines — A 41-year-old woman was arrested yesterday for allegedly kidnapping a six-month-old baby in Manila’s Rizal Park last month.

Elma Omamdam was accosted by concerned citizens who recognized her on television while holding the baby and waiting for a ride outside the park.

Omamdam denied that she was the woman caught on closed-circuit television footage carrying the child.

Sarah Tumanguil reported to police that her baby was taken by a stranger in Rizal Park on Nov. 28.

Tumanguil said she briefly left her baby to a friend as she went to the toilet. But when she returned, the child was missing.

The Manila Police District (MPD) flashed an alarm and distributed photos of the suspect.

Tumanguil said she recognized Omamdam because she was a frequent visitor in the park.

Omamdam kept mum when asked why she kidnapped the baby.

She was taken to the MPD Children and Women’s Protection Unit while charges of kidnapping are being readied against her.

Police earlier nabbed a woman who looked like Omamdam but was later released after verification.