Metro manila: The Department of Health (DOH) has ordered hospitals nationwide to tighten security measures following a series of newborn abduction incidents reported in Metro Manila during the holiday season. Health Secretary Teodoro Herbosa announced this directive after two recent cases where infants were taken from their mothers inside hospital facilities, highlighting concerns over security, surveillance, and visitor controls.

According to Philippines News Agency, one incident occurred on Dec. 26 at the Amang Rodriguez Memorial Medical Center (ARMMC) in Marikina City. A woman allegedly posed as a medical worker conducting newborn screening, approached mothers in the ward, and convinced one mother to hand over her baby and the child's medical records. The infant was later safely reunited with the mother after police traced the suspect to Pasig City.

A similar case was reported in Tondo, Manila, where the suspect returned the baby to the mother before attempting to flee. The suspect was apprehended by the hospital's security guard. These incidents have exposed vulnerabilities heightened by relaxed holiday staffing and lax entry and exit controls, allowing impostors to pose as medical personnel.

Health Secretary Herbosa emphasized plans to adopt systems similar to the 'Amber Alert' and 'Silver Alert' used in the United States, aiming to rapidly mobilize authorities and media in missing-person cases. Stricter entry and exit protocols will be enforced, requiring mandatory identification for anyone wearing medical scrub suits inside hospital premises. Additionally, procedures for discharging or transferring children will be tightened, with proper documentation required.

Hospitals are urged to ensure 24/7 CCTV coverage in maternity and neonatal areas and to regularly review visitor authorization policies. Private hospitals and those run by local government units are also encouraged to strengthen their vigilance. Parents and caregivers are advised to remain alert and to only hand their infants to uniformed medical staff with valid identification, reporting any suspicious individuals to hospital security or law enforcement authorities.