Woman charged for 'borrowing' neighbor's baby

Manila, Philippines - Police filed yesterday kidnapping charges against a woman has not returned a three-month-old baby girl she “borrowed” from her neighbor in Barangay Pinagbuhatan, Pasig City last May 6.

The charges against Lanie Francisco, 41, stemmed from a complaint filed by Dialen Robelo, who claimed that Francisco had taken her daughter, Jillian, from her house on the morning of May 6. Francisco is a native of Angcaoay Al-Alinao Sur in Naguilian, La Union province.

Robelo said Francisco was a frequent visitor who plays with her baby and sometimes “borrows” Jillian and brings her to own house. However, when she went to Francisco’s house two hours later, she failed to find her neighbor and her baby.

Almost a week passed and neither Francisco nor Jillian have been seen in the neighborhood, Robelo told police. The complainant claimed she also visited the suspect’s relatives and friends, but they too, have not seen Francisco and Jillian. She reported the incident to the Pasig police.

“I spend sleepless nights thinking about my baby,” said Robelo, as she expressed hope that the police would find Francisco and her baby.