Photo: Johnson Manabat/ABS-CBN News" width="100%" />
The American who allegedly attempted to smuggle a baby boy out of the Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA) in Pasay City yesterday did so because she planned to adopt the child, authorities said today.
The suspect, named Jennifer Erin Talbot, was presented to the media by the National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) today wearing handcuffs and a prison uniform. The NBI said Talbot, a native of Ohio, will be charged with human trafficking, child abuse, kidnapping, and serious illegal detention by the Pasay City Prosecutor’s Office, ABS-CBN News reports.
Maricris Dulap, the child’s mother, will also be charged with child abuse for giving her 6-day-old baby to Talbot, according to Abante TNT. The baby’s unidentified father, who remains at large, will be charged with the same crime, authorities say.
Read: American caught allegedly smuggling Filipino baby inside her carry-on luggage
Authorities said that Talbot met Dulap online. Dulap, who was pregnant at the time, allegedly agreed to give up her child for adoption to Talbot.
Talbot flew from the United States and met Dulap in Davao City last month, and stayed with her until the Filipina gave birth, according to Eagle News.
After the boy was born, Talbot flew the child out of Davao City International Airport, managing to evade the scrutiny of airport security. It was only at NAIA that immigration officials caught on to her after Delta Airlines employees noticed she put the child inside her carry-on bag.
Initial reports said that Talbot was caught during check-in, but the NBI said she was actually caught while already at the boarding gate inside Terminal 3. The American was unable to provide documents to prove that she was authorized to bring the boy overseas. Although Talbot had an Affidavit of Consent and Support, it was unsigned by the boy’s parents.
The American embassy has already discussed the case with the NBI and has provided Talbot with a list of lawyers who can represent her in the case.
