The Department of Health (DOH) has issued a nationwide directive for hospitals to strengthen their security protocols following a series of alarming infant abduction incidents reported in Metro Manila during the Christmas season.
Directive Issued After Back-to-Back Incidents
In a statement released on the evening of Tuesday, December 30, 2025, Health Secretary Teodoro Herbosa confirmed the order was a direct response to two new cases where newborns were taken from their mothers inside hospital facilities. These events raised serious concerns about lapses in security, surveillance, and visitor control.
The first incident occurred on December 26 at the Amang Rodriguez Memorial Medical Center (ARMMC) in Marikina City. A woman wearing a scrub suit pretended to be a medical worker conducting a newborn screening. The suspect approached mothers in the ward, and one unsuspecting mother handed over her baby along with the medical records. The infant was later recovered and safely returned to the mother after police tracked the suspect to Pasig City.
A similar case was reported on Monday in Tondo, Manila, where the suspect returned the baby to the mother before attempting to escape. The suspect was apprehended by the hospital security guard.
Security Lapses During the Holidays
The DOH stated that these incidents exposed critical weaknesses in staff vigilance and lax control over entry and exit points during the holiday period. This allowed impostors to pose as medical personnel and gain access to restricted areas.
"We will heighten our measures," said Secretary Herbosa. He emphasized plans to adopt systems similar to the 'Amber Alert' and 'Silver Alert' used in the United States to quickly mobilize authorities and media in cases of missing persons, particularly for children and the elderly.
Stricter Protocols to be Enforced
Herbosa announced that stricter entry and exit protocols will be implemented, including mandatory identification (ID) for anyone wearing medical scrub suits within hospital premises. This move aims to prevent unauthorized individuals from blending in with healthcare staff and committing similar crimes.
The department is urging all hospitals to review and tighten their security measures immediately to ensure the safety of patients, especially the most vulnerable newborns and their families.
