Surigao City — Police arrested a 59-year-old woman known online as a vlogger after allegedly kidnapping a seven-month-old baby from a mall in Surigao City on Christmas Eve, December 24, 2025.
Authorities identified the suspect as Anita Amarille Namog, a resident of Barangay Cawilan, Taganaan, Surigao del Norte. She is now facing charges for violation of Republic Act 7610 or the Special Protection of Children Against Abuse, Exploitation, and Discrimination Act.
Based on the investigation, the suspect approached the mother — a resident of Barangay Canlanipa — inside a well-known mall in Barangay Luna. Namog reportedly offered to buy toys and clothes for the child while introducing herself as a vlogger. The suspect even treated the mother and child to lunch before convincing them to continue shopping.
While the mother was browsing for baby clothes, the suspect allegedly fled with the infant.
Upon receiving the report, police launched a manhunt operation, activated checkpoints, and reviewed CCTV footage. Responding authorities intercepted the suspect around 1:20 PM at the Global Port Terminal in Barangay Taft, where she was about to board a vessel bound for Siargao Island.
The baby was found in the suspect’s custody — dressed in female clothing — but was quickly rescued and safely reunited with the mother.
Namog is currently detained at the Surigao City Component Police Station Women and Children Protection Desk as investigation continues.
Police issued a reminder to parents and guardians to remain extra vigilant in crowded places and to never entrust their children to strangers, regardless of how trustworthy they may appear.
Authorities are also looking into the possibility that the suspect may have used her vlogger persona to lure and exploit victims, warning the public against falling for such tactics.
The case continues to be monitored closely as Surigao police ensure accountability for this alarming crime targeting the city’s most vulnerable.