Woman steals newborn from public hospital
A woman was arrested after stealing a newborn baby from a public hospital in Mabalacat City, Pampanga, Philippines, on 17 Aug.
She had reportedly wrapped the baby in a shawl before putting it inside a shopping bag, allowing her to leave the hospital without raising suspicion.
Bystander assumes suspect was a relative
Mabalacat Police Chief Lt. Col. Jose Charlmar Gundaya said the woman stole the infant at around 1.20am.
Police investigation revealed that the newborn’s parents were asleep when the suspect entered the ward and took the baby.
Source: Saksi on Facebook
The suspect was then captured on CCTV leaving on a motorised tricycle outside the hospital.
According to the police chief, someone had witnessed the woman take the infant, but they assumed she was a relative of the newborn’s parents.
This is because the suspect had even visited the newborn’s hospital room that evening, spoke with the parents, and carried the newborn as if she was their relative.
Suspect reportedly suffers postpartum depression after losing own child
The police immediately launched an operation and swiftly located the woman in the neighbouring town.
They safely rescued the baby and subsequently returned it to its parents.
Source: Mabalacat Pulis on Facebook
Initial police investigation revealed that the woman is a former overseas worker who had lost her child.
The police chief believes that the suspect committed the crime due to postpartum depression.
“After going through depression from losing her child, it appears that she wants to replace her child,” Mr Gundaya said.
The suspect and her husband, who is believed to be her accomplice, face charges of kidnapping and human trafficking.
The authorities will also investigate whether there were any lapses in the hospital’s security.
Also read: Indonesian woman in Japan abandons newborn over fear of being fired from job
Indonesian woman in Japan abandons newborn over fear of being fired from job
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Featured image adapted from Saksi on Facebook, Mabalacat Pulis on Facebook.
