Dressmaker, 3 others arrested for dumping fetus in Pasig

MANILA, Philippines - Pasig City police arrested yesterday a 42-year-old dressmaker after three persons who were caught as they were about to dump a fetus identified her as its mother.

City police chief Senior Superintendent Jesse Cardona ordered the filing of abortion and disposal of fetus charges against Cecile Pineda and her alleged accomplices Susan Lita, 40, and two 17-year-old boys.

Pasig Security Group members accosted Lita and the two boys, who were carrying a paper bag, along Molave street in Barangay Nagpayong at around 3:15 a.m. yesterday. When the local watchmen checked the bag, it contained a fetus, aged around six to seven months old, wrapped in blue cloth. Police said they could not immediately tell if the fetus was male or female because its body was crushed. Lita and her companions led police to Pineda.