Authorities launched a manhunt operation for a man who robbed a mother and child while they were out buying food in San Agustin, Malabon City, on Tuesday, April 8.

Based on a closed-circuit television (CCTV) footage, the victims were walking while looking for a snack. Moments later, the video captured them running and calling for help from nearby residents.

The suspect suddenly appeared, grabbed the child, and demanded for the mother’s cell phone and wallet.

The mother recounted the traumatic experience, explaining that when they came out of the alley, the man suddenly approached them.

She was unable to move or scream because the suspect had already grabbed her child.

He told her to hand over her wallet and belongings if she didn’t want her child to get hurt.

Fearing for her child's safety, she gave him everything she had just to get her child back.

She later shared that the suspect did not have a weapon, and it felt as though he used her child as his weapon.

After the incident, the suspect ran toward the alley, got on his motorcycle, and fled.

Authorities discovered that the mother and her child were not the man’s only victims.

After conducting backtracking operations, they learned that before the incident, the suspect had been walking along General Luna Street.

He had purchased a cigarette from a store and continued walking before eventually standing on the corner of the street.