NBI nabs abortionist, helper in Caloocan

A 75-year-old woman, allegedly engaged in the practice of aborting babies for 10 years now, was arrested Wednesday night shortly after one such procedure at her clinic in Caloocan City.

Suspect Helena Garcia, alias Mommy, a former peddler of herbs, was arrested along with her helper Jennifer Jose, alias Cherry, 35 at around 7 p.m. by agents of the National Bureau of Investigation-Special Task Force (NBI-STF).

Raiders also recovered a dismembered fetus, about three-months-old, from an earlier abortion performed by Garcia.

Lawyer Marianito Panganiban, chief of the NBI-STF, said they conducted a surveillance in Caloocan City following reports that a certain woman was engaged in the illegal practice.

Upon confirming her illegal activities, Panganiban team was able to secure a search warrant from a Caloocan City judge. An NBI agent acted as "patient" at Garcia’s clinic located on Jacinto street, 12th Avenue, Barangay 90, Zone 8, East Grace Park.

Inside, the agent saw a dismembered fetus as well as abortion equipment and instruments.Panganiban said Garcia charges P7,000 for the procedure. Her patients are allegedly referred by vendors in Quiapo, Manila. The suspects, now locked up in an NBi jail, will be charged with intentional abortion before the Caloocan City Prosecutor’s Office. – Cecille Suerte Felipe