Dili, 12 March 2026 (Média Democracia) – Timor Leste National Police Cristu-Rei Squadron has apprehended the JRO who abandoned her baby, at Guido Valadares National Hospital, on Wednesday at 6 am, the suspect herself came directly to the hospital to cooperate and surrender to PNTL.
“The process is a continuation of yesterday’s search for her whereabouts, and she was found, early this morning, the mother herself surrendered, and through the hospital, she met her child there. Then she continued to come to the squadron to channel the baby’s father now to VPU Dili Municipality to continue the process.” said Cristo-Rei Squadron Commander Chief Inspector Paulino de Carvalho to journalists at his office, Becora, Wednesday (11/03/2026).
The Chief Inspector of Police informs that the baby’s mother surrendered after following up on news released by the media.
“She voluntarily surrendered because she was also following the news that we published, she was also following it, so this morning we got her whereabouts to be able to pick her up at 6 am to the hospital.” He said
He affirmed that the case is still in the process of identification and it’s still unclear about the content of the problem itself.
“The whole process, first we go for identification there to know the content of the problem, how it led her to abandon her own child, so with those situations, the VPU part will be able to channel it to the Public Ministry.” He explained
Regarding the cause of the case, the PNTL doesn’t want to speculate, it’s up to the Public Ministry to decide.
“This cause, only the Public Ministry’s decision will make it clearer, we can’t disclose someone’s private matters, everything is confidential, so this will only be known at the tribunal, directly he’ll know what he did, he’ll talk.” said Squadron Commander Chief Inspector.
Meanwhile, the case is currently being handled by VPU Dili Municipality, as PNTL Cristu-Rei Squadron has handed it over, and is now waiting for further processing.
Regarding detaining the baby’s mother, that’s a decision for VPU, PNTL’s role is just to search for and apprehend the suspect.
“Detention will be done by VPU, my part was just to search for the baby’s mom, like I said yesterday, 24 hours wasn’t up yet, but with all the efforts, the baby is in the hospital, and now the mother is in our hands, so you can continue to VPU for more detailed information.” He added
Meanwhile, Cristo-Rei Squadron Commander Chief Inspector Paulino de Carvalho declares that regarding the baby’s father, they don’t know yet, as the investigation process is with VPU Dili Municipality.
Reporting : Estefania
Photo : Estefania