A male infant believed to be around seven months in gestational age was found dead and partially buried in a cornfield in Barangay Sumadat, Dumalinao, Zamboanga del Sur, on the morning of August 28, 2026.
The remains were discovered by a farmer who was plowing the cornfield at an agricultural technology—or Agro-Tech—area in the barangay when his plow struck and unearthed what appeared to be the body of a baby.
Initial information indicated that the infant had apparently been buried in a shallow grave, allowing the body to be disturbed by the farm equipment as the farmer worked the field.
The remains were reportedly wrapped in a diaper container or similar covering, suggesting that the infant had been deliberately placed and buried at the site. However, authorities have yet to establish when the child was buried, how long the body had remained underground, or the circumstances surrounding the infant’s death.
The body was subsequently brought to the public cemetery for safekeeping while authorities continued their investigation.
Police are working to determine the identity of the infant and identify the person or persons who allegedly left and buried the child in the cornfield.
Authorities have not yet released information establishing whether the infant was stillborn or had been born alive before death. The exact cause and manner of death also remain subject to investigation and any appropriate medico-legal examination.
Investigators are expected to gather additional evidence from the discovery site and interview individuals who may have information about the circumstances leading to the infant’s burial.
Police are also appealing to residents who may have witnessed suspicious activity in the area or who may have information regarding a missing pregnancy, newborn, or the person responsible for abandoning and burying the infant to come forward.
Authorities stressed that any information provided by the public could help establish the identity of the child and determine what happened before the infant was found in the cornfield.
The investigation remains ongoing as authorities seek answers surrounding the disturbing discovery in Barangay Sumadat.