2 women held for baby wake scam

MANILA, Philippines — Two women were arrested in Sampaloc, Manila Friday night for allegedly soliciting money on Facebook by posting a photo of an 11-month-old baby they said died of poverty.

Gasoline station employee Loradel Parayno and vendor Loradel Santiago were arrested after the baby’s mother complained to the Manila Police District intelligence and operation unit, according to Chief Inspector Rosalino Ibay Jr.

The two suspects allegedly solicited for money by sending photos of the baby followed by a photo of her supposed casket to sympathizers on Facebook Messenger.

One of the suspects’ victims, Anthea Khu, posted on Facebook her exchange of messages with primary suspect Noreen Lyanne Gonzalve, who is at large, about the baby’s supposed death.

Khu supposedly wired money to the suspect.

The mother of the baby, who is alive and well, is a neighbor of Parayno.

Parayno denied knowing about the alleged illicit activities of Gonzalve, her girlfriend. Parayno added that Santiago, her cousin, was also dragged into the case because of their photos with the baby sent by the suspect on Messenger.

Khu’s post became viral on Facebook.

The two women will face charges of libel, child abuse, estafa and violating the anti-cybercrime law.