Suspect Marjorie Dejan, 27, has been detained for allegedly trying to abduct a child near a birthday party in Marikina City. Photo courtesy of Marikina Police
MANILA, Philippines — Authorities arrested a 27-year-old woman for allegedly trying to abduct a child in a neighborhood in Marikina City where a birthday party was being held Friday evening.
Marikina Police identified the suspect as Marjorie Dejan, who is from Quezon City.
Police, however, withheld the name, age and gender of the victim being a minor.
In an initial investigation, Dejan was initially seen passing by a neighborhood where a birthday celebration was being held, near the victim’s house, at around 8 p.m.
The suspect reportedly approached the victim and eventually forced the child to go with her. Upon seeing the commotion, witnesses near the area confronted Dejan.
The suspect immediately let go of the child and escaped.
Witnesses reported the incident to authorities and the child’s family, which eventually led to Dejan’s arrest.
Dejan was taken to the Marikina police detention cell for proper disposition and might face charges for attempted abduction in relation to the Anti-Child Abuse Law.
According to Police Colonel Rederico Maranan, Marikina City police station commander, Dejan allegedly abducted the child because she plans to sell the minor to unidentified accomplices. /jpv