KORONADAL CITY, South Cotabato — A two-day-old baby boy who was abducted from the South Cotabato Provincial Hospital has been safely reunited with his parents on Monday evening, following an intensive 24-hour search by police, hospital security personnel, and concerned citizens.
The infant was rescued unharmed from a woman who allegedly posed as a nurse and took the newborn from his parents around 10:00 a.m. on Sunday, November 23. According to investigators, the suspect befriended the couple and offered to assist with the baby’s hearing test—only to later slip the newborn into a bag and quietly exit the hospital without being detected by security personnel.
The case took a turn late Monday when staff at the Dr. Arturo P. Pingoy Medical Center in Koronadal City noticed the woman acting suspiciously while carrying a newborn. Her appearance matched the description earlier released by the baby’s family and authorities. Hospital personnel immediately alerted police, who responded quickly and detained the woman while she was still holding the child.
Baby Malinog was immediately placed under medical examination and was found to be in good condition before being turned over to his parents, Ryan and his wife. Overcome with relief, the couple expressed their deep gratitude to everyone who helped in the search.
“Dako gyud among pasalamat. Wala mi naghunahuna nga makit-an pa namo siya dayon. Salamat sa tanan nga nitabang,” the father said.
Suspect struggling with postpartum depression
Authorities have declined to release the identity of the female suspect, citing medical considerations after relatives revealed she may be experiencing postpartum depression.
According to Reybell Maladian Caliawan, a cousin of the baby’s mother, the woman—known to them only as “Princess”—had recently given birth but reportedly lost her child after a tragic accident. Overwhelmed with fear and emotional distress, she allegedly took the newborn to avoid telling her husband what had happened.
Relatives and some individuals familiar with the woman said she had been seen caring for the abducted baby with tenderness. CCTV footage reportedly showed her buying milk, diapers, baby clothes—mostly blue—and other essentials. Some described her actions as those of a grieving mother in crisis, though they emphasized that the abduction was still a serious wrongdoing.
“Ginapalangga niya ang bata, pero mali gid ang ginhimo niya,” said one relative. “Hindi basta-basta ang postpartum depression. Kailangan gid bantayan ang mga inahan nga naga-antos sini.”
The suspect, a resident of Lutayan, Sultan Kudarat, allegedly stayed there overnight with the child before bringing him to the hospital for a check-up the following day, which ultimately led to her arrest.
Kidnapping charges to proceed
Despite the suspect’s psychological condition, police say she will still face charges of kidnapping and serious illegal detention, while investigators continue to establish the full circumstances and motive behind the abduction.
Authorities also reminded the public and healthcare institutions to be vigilant, stressing the importance of strict identity verification for anyone entering sensitive hospital areas.
A community relieved, a reminder for all
The heart-stopping incident triggered widespread fear among residents, but it also mobilized a community—from security personnel to ordinary citizens—who all hoped for the safe return of the infant.
While many expressed anger, others called for compassion and understanding for the suspect, especially after learning of her mental health struggles.
The baby’s family, though shaken, said they hope the incident serves as a reminder for everyone to be more careful, especially in public spaces like hospitals.
“Leksyon ini sa tanan. Indi basta-basta magsalig bisan kanino,” one relative said.
For now, Baby Malinog is safely back in his parents’ arms—a reunion that brought tears, relief, and a sobering reminder of the silent struggles some mothers face after giving birth.