Passenger held at NAIA for trying to transport baby in luggage

MANILA, Philippines (Updated 1:35 p.m.) — An American passenger has been held at the Ninoy Aquino International Airport by the Immigration bureau for attempting to transport a six-day-old child in her luggage.

The Immigration bureau said the passenger, a woman, was intercepted at NAIA's Terminal 3 at around 6:20 a.m., Wednesday.

The bureau identified the passenger as Jennifer Talbot, 43 years old.

The infant, BI said, was "hidden in an oversized belt bag." 

Talbot also did not declare nor present the infant to the Immigration inspector during departure formalities.

Filipino children traveling abroad alone, or with a companion other than their parents need to present certification that it is with the consent of their parents.

According to the Department of Social Welfare and Development, which issues travel clearances for children, among the requirements for the clearance is "a notarized affidavit of consent of both parents or the solo parent or the legal guardian."

The affidavit should include the name of the authorized travelling companion, their relationship to the child, as well as details of the trip.

DSWD personnel have already been dispatched to the airport.

The case will be referred to the Anti-Human Trafficking Division of the National Bureau of Investigation.

This is a developing story.