KORONADAL CITY — The South Cotabato Provincial Hospital (SCPH) will enforce stricter hospital protocols following Sunday’s abduction of a newborn while authorities continue their investigation into the incident.
According to initial reports, a woman wearing a green uniform similar to that of a hospital nursing attendant entered the facility without proper identification and volunteered to take the infant for a newborn hearing test.
The suspect had previously gained the mother’s trust through personal social media messages, making the request appear legitimate.
However, hours passed with no sign of the woman or the baby.
Investigators later discovered that the suspect placed the newborn inside a bag and exited through a passageway unnoticed by the stationed guard at the time, allowing her to slip-out.
Dr. Marilyn Abantao, Chief of Hospital, reminded patients and watchers to interact only with legitimate hospital personnel visibly wearing proper IDs.
She emphasized that SCPH personnel can be readily distinguished, with nurses in white, nursing attendants in green, and utility workers in blue. Each wears ARTA identification displaying their names and the hospital logo.
She also reiterated that newborn screening and hearing tests are conducted only when a parent is present accompanied by a hospital staff.
“If you have questions, always approach the Nurses’ Station. Please do not engage with anyone who does not carry proper identification,” she advised.
Dr. Abantao stressed that in her 34 years of service, this is the first recorded abduction case inside the provincial hospital. She added that the medical team had provided complete care to the 19-year-old mother and her 21-year-old partner.
“These young parents, being first-timers were naturally vulnerable and easily trusting and the hospital is not placing blame on them,” she clarified.
She urged the public to remain vigilant inside medical facilities, noting that although hospital uniforms carry visible logos, the suspect hid hers under a hijab, making it difficult for staff to immediately detect anomalies.
Dr. Abantao also reiterated that hospital personnel do not engage in personal social media communication with patients due to heavy workloads, shifting schedules, and ethical boundaries that prohibit such interactions.
“We do not conduct personal follow-ups online. We maintain professional limits with our patients,” she said.
She emphasized that the provincial government is committed to uphold patient safety, and that enhanced measures are now being implemented to prevent similar incidents.
Authorities continue their investigation, and SCPH has pledged full cooperation until the case is resolved.
