Woman poses as a DSWD social worker, kidnaps baby

A 22-month old baby was kidnapped by a female suspect who had posed as a Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) social worker, GMA 7 news program "24 Oras" reported on Friday.

Parents Ariza and Dick Gianan Jr. were at the Las Piñas District Hospital on Thursday with twin babies Zianne and Zia for a check-up, when the suspect approached them.

The suspect, who was described to be in her 40s, short in stature, and had a dark complexion, introduced herself as Nathaly Damaso.

She convinced the parents that she could help them enter the Pantawid Pamilyang Pilipino Program (4Ps), and offered to interview them over a meal.

At the restaurant, the woman gave them P200 sent them off to buy food as she held Zianne.

"Papasok niya po kami ng baby ko sa 4Ps program, tapos habang hindihintay po 'yung tawag sa check-up ng baby ko, 'yun, kinukuwentuhan niya po kami na...napasok po 'yung baby ko sa 4Ps na mabibigyan po sila ng...mga damit. Mga vitamins," Ariza said.

"Ako naman po, umo-order, 'yung mama ko, nasa likod ko tapos siya po, magkatabi po sila...hawak na po niya. Pag lingon ko po, wala na po siya," she added.

The couple found no trace of the woman after immediately inquiring with the nearby security guards and police officers near the restaurant.

They were especially concerned for the Zianne, as she was delivered through a cesarean section and was in a fragile state.

"'Pag hindi po naka-dede, hinabhabol niya po 'yung hininga niya," Ariza said

"Ayun po 'yung mahinang-mahina naming baby. 'Yun po 'yung kinuha niya," the father added.

Neither the Las Piñas District Hospital nor the DSWD had a record of an employee named Nathaly Damaso.

A day after the kidnapping, the couple went to several radio stations seeking help.

"'Di ko alam kung anong nangyari. Kung nakaka-dede ba, kung okay ba 'yung baby ko. Sana po makonsensiya ka. Ibalik mo nalang po sa amin 'yung baby ko," Ariza said on Super Radyo dzBB.

"'Yung panganay kong anak, pag-gising kaninang umaga, tinuturo niya 'yung baby. Parang nagtataka bakit nag-iisa nalang 'yung (kapatid niya). Sana ibalik niya na," the father added.

Those with information on Zianne or the suspect can call the following numbers: 0918-422-2280 or (02) 659-8460. — Margaret Claire Layug/DVM, GMA News