The National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) has filed charges against an American woman who tried to sneak a Filipino baby boy out of the country.
Ohio native Jennifer Erin Talbot, 43, was brought to the Pasay City Prosecutor’s Office last Wednesday for inquest for violating Section 4(k) in relation to Section 6 of Republic Act 9208 (The Anti-Trafficking in Persons Act) as amended by RA 10364 (Expanded Anti-Trafficking in Persons Act of 2012); Section 10(a) of RA 7610 (Special Protection of Children Against Child Abuse, Exploitation and Discrimination Act); and for kidnapping and serious illegal detention in violation of Article 267 of the Revised Penal Code (RPC).
Erin had no had no criminal record in the United States, according to the NBI.
“Ang sinsabi niya she just wanted to give the baby a name and church blessing,” NBI-International Airport Investigation Unit (NBI-IAIU) chief Manuel Dimaano told reporters on Thursday.
The NBI official said the baby’s mother, Maricris Cempron Dulap, and the child’’s unknown biological father were also named as Talbot’s co-respondents for violating RA 7610.
Dimaano admitted that it has yet to be determined if money exchanged hands.
Meanwhile, the NBI official has already informed the American Embassy about the arrest of Talbot.
“Ang ni-relay lang nila she doesn’t have any derogatory record sa US,” said Dimaano who also revealed that the Embassy has offered the woman legal assistance.
Dimaano said Talbot was arrested last Wednesday at the Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA) Terminal 3 after she was able to sneak the baby past immigration authorities by keeping the child hidden in a sling back she carried.
“She was intercepted by Delta Air staff because they saw the baby and she asked about any travel documents. None was presented. So the Delta Air staff contacted the immigration officers,” said the NBI official.
“Based on the CCTV footages secured from the MIAA (Manila International Airport Authority) it was revealed that she was carrying the baby improperly as if she was trying to conceal the baby,” he added.
Dimaano said the American failed to present any permits or clearance from the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) and City Social Welfare Development (CSWD) that would allow her to bring the baby with her.
“For international travel, international passengers accompanying a minor, they would be asked this DSWD clearance. For local travels, because she came from Davao, she should have been asked this CSWD clearance,” he explained.
“We verified with the DSWD whether or not she was granted a travel clearance to travel with the baby. But then the DSWD replied in the negative,” he stated.
Dimaano said the American only presented an unsigned affidavit of support and consent from Dulap which stated that the mother is single and willing to have her child sent off for adoption.
The woman said she is married with five “special children.”
The NBI official also learned that the DSWD has also contacted the baby’s mother in Davao.
“Ang sabi lang, based on the interview of the DSWD, gustong ipa-adopt nung Maricris ‘yung baby niya. So she browsed in the internet and stumbled upon the subject na willing naman,” revealed Dimaano. (Jeffrey Damicog)
