DSWD takes custody of smuggled baby

MANILA, Philippines — The Deparment of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) has taken custody of a baby who was only six days old when she was found in the bag of an American woman about to board a flight for the United States on Wednesday.

In a statement issued yesterday, the DSWD said the infant is now at one of its centers for children.

“The department follows a protocol for the case management of child victims of abuse, neglect and exploitation such as trafficking,” the agency said.

The National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) has filed a human trafficking complaint against Jennifer Erin Talbot, 43, a resident of Utah, after she was caught at the Ninoy Aquino International Airport Terminal 3 hiding the baby inside her oversized sling bag.

Talbot was arrested for trying to bring the infant out of the Philippines without proper travel documents.

She is also facing complaints of child abuse and kidnapping with serious illegal detention.

NBI International Airport Investigation Division chief Manuel Dimaano said Talbot presented a notarized affidavit of consent and support allegedly executed by the baby’s mother, identified as Maricris Dulap.

However, she failed to present a travel clearance issued by the DSWD.

The biological parents of the infant – who was born in Davao City – were also charged with child abuse. Both are still at large.

The US embassy declined to comment on the case.

“We refer you to Philippine authorities. Thanks,” press attache Heather Fabrikant said in a Viber message to The STAR when asked for comment. – Helen Flores