The Department of Health (DOH) on Tuesday called for stricter hospital security after two cases of newborn abduction were reported in Manila and Marikina City this month.
The agency said the incidents revealed gaps in hospital protocols, particularly during the holiday season when staffing is limited.
Health Secretary Ted Herbosa said the department is considering alert systems similar to the U.S. Amber and Silver alerts, which notify law enforcement and the public when children or vulnerable individuals go missing.
“This is a time of the year when thefts happen. We will strengthen our protective measures,” he assured, pointing out that while hospitals already use identification tags for babies and patients, but criminals can take advantage of lapses in vigilance.
Other proposed measures include stricter monitoring of entrances and exits, tighter ID requirements, and increased attention in maternity and pediatric wards.
The alert followed the abduction of a newborn from Amang Rodriguez Memorial Medical Center in Marikina on Dec. 26 around 11 p.m.
Police said CCTV footage showed a woman dressed as a nurse approaching mothers on the fourth floor and asking who had not yet completed newborn screenings.
One mother, caught off guard, handed over her baby and its medical records, while two other mothers refused.
The suspect placed the baby in a bassinet and escaped through the emergency room, traveling by tricycle and private vehicle before being traced.
A separate attempted kidnapping occurred Dec. 29 at Tondo Medical Center, where a nurse noticed a woman pretending to be hospital staff trying to take a newborn.
Authorities said the suspect abandoned the baby when confronted and was immediately taken into police custody.
The suspect told authorities she had suffered a miscarriage and acted out of fear of disappointing relatives who expected her to bring home a child.
Charges for kidnapping and failure to return a minor have been filed against the suspect and her boyfriend.
