American woman caught with baby boy in sling bag nabbed for kidnapping

CHILD TRAFFICKING SUSPECT Jennifer Erin Talbot remains in the custody of the National Bureau of Investigation following her arrest in September 2019. INQUIRER FILE PHOTO/RICHARD A. REYES

MANILA, Philippines — The American woman who was caught concealing a baby boy inside her sling bag at the Ninoy Aquino International Airport has been arrested for kidnapping, the National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) said Wednesday.

In a press conference, NBI Director Dante Gierran said NBI operatives served the arrest warrant issued by Pasay Regional Trial Court (RTC) Branch 109 against Jennifer Erin Talbot. 

NBI-International Airport Investigation Division Chief Palmer Mallari said Talbot was arrested Monday while she was attending the hearing at Regional Trial Court (RTC) Branch 109 in Pasay City for her other cases that include Anti-Trafficking in Persons Act and Special Protection of Children Against Child Abuse, Exploitation, and Discrimination Act.

“A hearing was held [Monday] on Talbot’s case for Anti-Trafficking in Persons Act and Republic Act 7610. During the hearing, the warrant was issued,” he said. 

Mallari said Talbot was previously arrested at NAIA in September 2019 authorities found a six-day-old boy inside her sling bag.

Talbot was taken under custody and charged for violation of Section 6 of the Anti-Trafficking Persons Act and the Anti-Child Abuse Law as well as kidnapping.

But Talbot was granted temporary liberty after posting bail for the two cases – trafficking and child abuse.

Mallari said they are already coordinating with the United States Embassy in Manila regarding Talbot’s case.

Talbot was presented to members of the media during Wednesday’s press briefing. She, however, refused to answer questions from the media saying she would first consult her lawyer.

Edited by KGA