MANILA, Philippines — An American woman was apprehended yesterday after she attempted to transport a six-day-old infant hidden in an oversized belt bag at the Ninoy Aquino International Airport Terminal 3.
Jennifer Erin Talbot, 43, of Ohio, was bound for Narita, Japan when she was intercepted by airport authorities, Bureau of Immigration supervisor on duty Allan Canonizado said.
Canonizado said Talbot did not present the infant to the immigration officers. Before reaching the final X-ray machine, Talbot took out the baby from the bag and proceeded to the pre-departure area.
An airport employee then saw Talbot carrying the baby whom she covered with a sweater.
Canonizado said the infant was turned over to the Department of Social Welfare and Development.
Talbot was taken into the custody of the National Bureau of Investigation (NBI).
During questioning, Talbot presented to the NBI a notarized letter supposedly signed by the baby’s mother, who gave her consent to process the US visa application for the infant. – Robertzon Ramirez