MANILA (UPDATE) - A mother tried to smuggle her baby through immigration at the Ninoy Aquino International Airport, only to be caught when the backpack containing the baby was put through the airport scanner.
Airport personnel said the two-month-old baby was sleeping soundly when discovered at the NAIA Terminal 1.
Vicente L. Guerzon Jr., assistant general manager for security and emergency services of the Manila International Airport Authority, identified the owner of the backpack as Jenifer Pavolaurea, a 25-year-old Papua New Guinean and a nursing graduate.
The 25-year-old single mother admitted that she attempted to smuggle her 2-month-old son out of the country because she does not have the necessary immigration clearance for his departure.
Pavolaurea was a departing passenger of Air Niugini, which was scheduled to depart for Port Moresby at 11 p.m.
Guerzon said Pavolaurea was initially questioned by an immigration officer for being an overstaying alien before the baby was discovered inside the backpack.
Pavolaurea was eventually allowed to depart for Papua New Guinea.
Airport authorities did not file any charges against Pavolaurea and was instead turned over to a certain John Frederick Camarines.
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