BAGUIO CITY — A fully developed fetus was discovered inside a rice sack at a garbage disposal area in Upper Rock Quarry barangay on the morning of June 25, marking the fourth such incident reported in the city this year.
The sack, which was wet and showed signs of fresh blood, was found by garbage collectors from the City General Services Office at around 7:00 a.m.
Their investigation into the suspicious item led to the discovery of a newborn with an intact umbilical cord, estimated to weigh between 2.5 and 2.9 kilograms.
Social worker Joy Hilario, in a report to City Social Welfare and Development Officer Liza Bulayungan, confirmed that the infant was already lifeless, showing signs of death such as blood pooling and skin discoloration.
The incident was promptly reported to the Baguio City Police Office Station 5 and the City Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office – Operations Division.
Scene of Crime Operatives (SOCO) are now conducting a post-mortem investigation to determine the circumstances surrounding the infant’s death.
Hilario said she received a distress call from the barangay council shortly after the fetus was found.
Authorities believe the child had been recently delivered and then abandoned.
City social welfare officials expressed deep concern over the growing number of such cases.
“We lament the sad fate of this unborn child and the others before. No child deserves this cruel and inhumane ending,” said Hilario and Bulayungan in a joint statement.
They appealed to mothers and parents facing crisis pregnancies to seek help instead of resorting to abandonment.
“Please take heart. Life is precious. Children are always a blessing,” they said.
The Office of the City Social Welfare and Development (OCSWDO) reminded the public that assistance is available for women in distress through government and private programs.
OCSWDO may be reached through the following hotlines: (074) 444-6467, (074) 422-6056, or 0967-208-4777.
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