Social media helped reunite missing toddler and relatives

MANILA, Philippines- With the help of a viral post of a concerned citizen on Facebook, the abandoned toddler found in a mall in Quezon City has finally been reunited with her relatives.

Just four days after the abandoned child’s story and photos were shared on Facebook, a cousin of the toddler’s mother contacted the netizen who posted the story on December 17.

Toddler left in a Quezon City mall

PHOTO CREDIT: Inquirer

Apparently, the 17-year-old mom of the child purposely left the toddler in the mall on December 14.

“She told us she was taking the child to her auntie. We didn’t know that’s what she did,” was what the relative told the netizen.

The family of the child was able to coordinate with the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD). According to the netizen, the toddler is now under the custody of her grandmother.

In the viral post which earned over 5,000 likes and 8,000 shares, the netizen detailed the incident:

“While waiting for the incident report for my stolen phone, I noticed a little girl walking around the room. I asked who she was, or if she was with anyone. Apparently, she was found at Blue Magic with her milk bottle all alone, crying her eyes out. She was brought to the customer service office at 2 p.m. and ‘til now (8 p.m.) no one has been claiming her. Everyone is starting to think she was left on purpose. The office staff had to buy diapers and milk because of how long she was there. It was just so sad seeing a little girl like her all alone. She didn’t even want the guard (who found her) to leave, she kept on crying and screaming if the guard was going to leave and go to his post. It was like he was her only hope for company.  Sadly, if the mall closes she’ll be turned over to DSWD, and might be off for adoption if not claimed at all.”

Prevent Your Child from Getting Lost in the Mall

Christmas season is definitely a time for shopping and the probability of losing our kids in a sea of shoppers is much higher these days. Here are some quick and easy tips you can employ to prevent them from missing.

  1. Place I.D. cards inside their pockets-Putting the right information including your child’s name, your contact number and address, and even your child’s allergies can be a lifesaver. Don’t forget to teach them the purpose of the I.D. cards.
  2. Make them wear bright outfits- It’s always easier to spot someone wearing a bright red shirt rather than dark blue. If your child can, make them memorize the color of clothes you are wearing so it will be easier for them to find you.
  3. Set a meeting place- Discuss and set a meeting place with your child in case he or she gets lost.
  4. Always check- Make it a routine to check if your child is still with you. If you have lots of children, do the buddy system.
  5. Teach your kids to ask for help- Security guards are the easiest and safest people to approach inside malls. Teach your kids what to tell them in case they get lost.
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