DNA crossmatch confirms another baby-switching case: What's next for the babies?

On "Kapuso Mo, Jessica Soho" last week, two mothers from Davao Oriental learned that their daughters were possibly switched in the hospital shortly after their birth.

Margie, the mother of "Camille," and Esmeralda, the mother of "Hazel," gave birth at Davao Oriental Provincial Medical Center minutes apart on the same day. The family suspected baby switching since the girls didn't resemble their parents, a hunch strongly felt by Margie's mother, Gina.

A DNA test confirmed Margie and "Camille" were not biologically related, while Esmeralda and Hazel awaited their results.

"Kinakabahan ako," Esmeralda said.

["I'm nervous."]

Margie expressed feeling both excited and nervous, fearing the possibility of a third party being involved or the test results coming back negative again.

Margie's mom, Gina, said that she is sure "Hazel" is her biological granddaughter, but remains loving and accepting of "Camille."

Emotional toll

Gina revealed that she had a hunch from the start that a switch had taken place.

She recalled asking the nurse about the swapped clothes, to which the nurse explained it was a mix-up, leading her to wonder if the babies had been switched.

Esmeralda, on the other hand, shared that her high blood pressure prevented her from noticing the new clothes and that she felt hurt and nervous about the situation.

"Parang na-shock 'yung puso ko na, umiiyak ako na 'yung anak ko na nando'n kay Margie, tapos 'yung anak niya nasa sa 'kin. Parang masama sa loob ko na ganyan," she added.

["It's like my heart was shocked. I cried because my child was with Margie, and her child was with me. I felt bad about the situation."]

Despite this, Esmeralda says she is ready to wholeheartedly accept the results.

Gina shared that this is a pain they will carry forever.

Margie revealed that "Camille" knew the situation, asking not to be returned. However, both she and Gina felt empathy for "Hazel," who grew up on the farm.

Before the DNA results, Margie, Gina, and "Camille" visited Esmeralda and "Hazel" for the first time. Esmeralda and Leonardo were both moved, with Esmeralda expressing happiness at the visit and Leonardo feeling an instant connection to "Camille."

Since "Camille" speaks mostly English, Leonardo said, "Kahit mahirap intindihin 'yung bata, feel ko siya, mahal na mahal ko siya."

["Even if it's difficult for me to understand the child, I can feel her, and I love her so much."]

"Camille" also feels at ease with Esmeralda and Leonardo's older children.

"Mukha niya at sa 'kin, pareho lang, kaya ang naano ng dibdib ko, parang pumitik, sa ibang salita, kapatid ko 'yan talaga siya," their eldest child Aljake said.

["We look so alike. It's like I just know in my heart that she's my sibling. ,"]

DNA test results

The maternity test of Esmeralda and "Hazel" had a probability of 0%, meaning that they are not biologically related.

Esmeralda and Leonardo both expressed their deep emotional pain upon learning the truth.

Meanwhile, the DNA cross-matching test between Esmeralda and "Camille," is 99.99%, meaning that she is her real daughter.

"Ang anak ko nandon kay Margie, OK lang pa rin. Tatanggapin ko pa rin kasi hindi ko siya binuhay. Siya nag-aalaga, nag-aaral siya," Esmeralda said.

["My child was with Margie, and that's okay. I will still accept it because I wasn't the one who raised her. She was cared for, and she's going to school."]

Margie said in tears, "Masaya ako kasi kumbaga nahanap ko 'yung totoong magulang ng bata na nasa sa akin."

["I'm happy because, in a way, I found the real parents of the child who was with me."]

The DNA cross-matching test between Esmeralda and "Hazel, "is also 99.9%, confirming without a doubt that baby switching did happen.

Following the tests, the families thanked each other for their love for "Camille" and "Hazel."

"Thankful naman ako na sila 'yung kinalakhan ng anak ko. Salamat kasi kayo ang nadatnan ng anak ko, minahal, inaruga or inalagaan, kinalinga. Kasi 'yun 'yung pinakamahirap hanapin sa ibang magulang. Maaaring may pera pero walang pagmamahal," Margie told Esmeralda and Leonardo.

["I am thankful that my child grew up with you. Thank you for being the ones who loved, cared for, and nurtured her. That's the rarest thing to find in other parents— because while some may have wealth, they often lack love."]

Margie expressed gratitude that "Hazel" could experience a complete family, noting that as a single parent, she couldn't provide a father figure. She then assured that "Hazel" is deeply loved and well-raised with care and respect for God.

An emotional Esmeralda likewise thanked Margie.

Esmeralda expressed deep gratitude that her child was with Margie, and she would ensure "Hazel" continues her education despite the situation.

Leonardo added that he will work hard to give the girls a proper life.

Gina was emotional as she finally reunited with her granddaughter and expressed joy in having her as part of the family.

Kids' welfare and family dynamics

Psychologist Dr. Evangeline Castro said that in this situation, considering the children's welfare is the most important because of the massive change.

"Hindi siya pwede i-shortcut, proseso talaga 'to. You have to extend your patience, pasensya ninyo sa bawat anak n'yo kasi sobrang laki ng mangyayaring change, lalo na nasa kamay ni Esmeralda, at sa kamay ni Margie ang environment na kinalakihan niya is iba," Dr. Castro said.

["This cannot be rushed; it's really a process. You need to extend your patience— patience with each of your children— because there will be a significant change, especially since the environment where the children grew up  is different from each other."]

Atty. Iris Pauline Taganas-Bacaltos emphasized that the child's best interest should be prioritized, focusing on what benefits her in the long run. She explained that co-parenting is an internal agreement and cannot be formalized legally, as it would be against the law to claim false parental information.

The lawyer also stated that the hospital and medical personnel involved in the baby switching should be held accountable.

Meanwhile, the Davao Oriental Provincial Medical Center refused to give an interview or comment on the DNA test results confirming the baby switching.

Margie said she wants to file a civil case.

"Babayaran nila lahat ng damages na naidulot nila sa bata at sa bawat pamilya."

["They should pay for all the damages they caused to the child and to each family."]

Esmeralda wanted the hospital held accountable, questioning why the babies were switched and expressing regret over losing time with her real child.

Meanwhile, since their daughters knew about the situation, Margie and Esmeralda agreed to a co-parenting setup, vowing to support their child's needs.

Given the situation, Dr. Castro said it is important to create an environment where the daughters are comfortable with their biological mothers.

Margie recalls being told, "Ano pang purpose ng pagpapa-DNA, hindi mo pala kukunin ang anak mo?"

["What's the purpose of getting a DNA test if you're not going to take your child?"]

She said that both families are victims and that the decision to choose an extended family setup was made for the children's well-being, ensuring no one is abandoned. —JCB, GMA Integrated News