American woman held at Naia as authorities found baby in luggage

Photo courtesy of Bureau of Immigration

MANILA, Philippines — An American woman was taken into custody early Wednesday morning at the Ninoy Aquino International Airport (Naia) as authorities found a baby boy inside her luggage.

Bureau of Immigration (BI) deputy spokesperson Melvin Mabulac identified the foreigner as Jennifer Talbot, 43. She was subsequently turned over to the National Bureau of Investigation for questioning.

Mabulac told INQUIRER.net that Talbot was supposed to leave the country for the United States when airport officers at Naia Terminal 3 discovered the undocumented “infant” in her bag around 6:20 a.m.

The baby was hidden in an “oversized belt bag” and “was not declared nor presented to the immigration inspector during departure formalities,” according to BI.

Photo courtesy of Bureau of Immigration

Mabulac also said they could not confirm if Talbot is the mother or guardian of the baby since authorities did not find any travel document to indicate the infant’s information. Mabulac added Talbot could not present any applicable document to show that she has the authority to bring the baby with her abroad.

Authorities could not likewise ascertain the nationality and age of the baby even if some still unverified reports claim the infant was Filipino and six days old. BI, however, assured that the male infant is “alive” and “in good health.”

“Hindi natin ma-identify ‘yung bata kasi walang travel document kaya tinurn over natin. Titingnan din ng NBI kung may other violations,” Mabulac noted.

Mabulac said the baby would be brought to the Department of Social Welfare and Development.

Meanwhile, Manila International Airport Authorities General Manager Ed Monreal has ordered an investigation on the incident and directed Naia’s security team to establish the circumstances surrounding the case. /kga