Ohio-Native Arrested In Philippines After Being Caught Sneaking Newborn Out Of The Country

Philippine officials have detained an American woman for allegedly attempting to smuggle a baby onto an airplane inside her carry-on bag.

Jennifer Erin Talbot of Ohio was arrested Wednesday by airport police after ia 6-day-old baby was found hidden in here bag. She passed through the immigration counter at a Manila airport without declaring the baby boy, but was stopped shortly after at the Delta Air boarding gate and then confronted by airport and airline staff.

Officials said Talbot had no official docuentation for the baby. She was then arrested on human trafficking charges by immigration officers.

“There was really an intention to hide the baby,” immigration official Grifton Medina told press via telephone.

Talbot was turned over to officers from the Philippines’ National Bureau of Investigation for questioning. She allegedly presented a statement at the airport given to her by the baby’s mother, granting permission to bring the baby to the U.S., but the document had not been signed by the baby's biological mother.

Officials also said no travel permits had been issued for the newborn, resulting in the human trafficking charges. If convicted, Talbot could face life in prison.

The U.S. Embassy was notified of Talbot’s arrest.

The baby has since been handed to officials from the government’s welfare program as investigators search for the parents. The parents could also face punishment under the country’s child protection laws.