2 beauticians arrested in baby snatching case

Two beauticians, who took into custody an abducted six-month-old baby out of pity, are now facing kidnapping charges following their arrest in Tagaytay City.

Manila policemen rescued the baby boy while in the custody of Jerome Cabahug, 43, and Chito Sanchez, 43, yesterday following a four-day search.

The baby was allegedly abducted by one Rose Magbanua last Friday from his mother Chinie-Anne Castillo, 19, at their house in San Andres Bukid, Manila.

Castillo left her baby with Magbanua, a long-time friend, when she went to the market. Castillo’s husband Orlando was then asleep.

When Castillo returned, Magbanua and the baby were already gone.

Upon receiving the complaint, General Assignment Section chief Superintendent Marcelino Pedrozo Jr. formed a team to track down the child snatcher and the baby. Their search led them to Tagaytay City, where the alleged abductor were spotted talking to the beauticians.

The two suspects admitted taking into custody the baby from a woman, whom they gave P200 for her fare back to Manila.

"Pinaaampon daw nung babae yung baby dahil wala na daw syang mapakain. Akala namin anak niya yung bata. Hindi naman siya humihingi ng malaking pera. Pamasahe lang daw," Sanchez said.

The baby showed signs of maltreatment and looked sick, according to Pedrozo.

"Naawa lang naman kami sa baby. Katunayan ginagamot nga namin yung ubo nya," Cabahug said.

Pedrozo said the good intention of the two suspects does not absolve them. "Custody of a minor without proper authorization from the parents is a criminal offense," the police official said.

The baby, who is now confined at the Ospital ng Maynila, was reunited with his parents yesterday, while police operatives are now continuing their manhunt of the abductor.