CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY — A 21-year-old nursing student is now in police custody following the death of his one-month-old child, whose body was discovered inside a boarding house in Zone 2, Barangay Cugman, authorities confirmed.
The suspect, identified as Raffy Romatiguie, a first-year nursing student originally from Kibawe, Bukidnon, is being held at Police Station 10 (PS10)–Cugman as investigators determine whether the infant’s death was accidental or intentional.
According to police reports, the incident traces back to January 30, 2026, when the suspect allegedly fetched his infant child from the baby’s mother, an 18-year-old woman identified as “Kai,” in Balingasag, Misamis Oriental. The child was reportedly brought to Cagayan de Oro City, where the suspect checked into an inn in Barangay Lapasan.
Initial statements from the suspect claimed that the baby was placed inside a bag and later accidentally fell, after which he allegedly noticed that the child was no longer breathing. Instead of immediately seeking medical or police assistance, the suspect returned to his boarding house in Zone 2, Barangay Cugman, where he allegedly left the infant’s lifeless body inside his rented room.
At around 9:00 a.m. on January 31, 2026, the suspect reportedly traveled back to Balingasag to inform the child’s mother that their baby had died. Shocked by the revelation, the young mother immediately reported the incident to the Balingasag Municipal Police Station, which then coordinated with PS10–Cugman after learning that the infant’s body was left in a boarding house in Cagayan de Oro.
Police officers later recovered the body of the one-month-old child, reportedly found inside a blue-colored bag. The landlord of the boarding house said she was stunned upon learning of the incident, stressing that she was unaware a baby had ever been brought into the rented room. She added that she only learned of the tragedy after being informed by her child and authorities.
Police Chief Master Sergeant Brian Carillo, investigator at PS10–Cugman, said the case remains under thorough investigation. He confirmed that an autopsy has been recommended to establish the exact cause of death and to determine whether the infant died due to foul play or an accident.
“This is a very sensitive case. We are not relying solely on the suspect’s statements. The results of the autopsy will be crucial in determining criminal liability,” Carillo said.
Background information gathered by police revealed that the young mother initially told her parents that her former boyfriend was responsible for her pregnancy. When the ex-boyfriend reportedly refused to acknowledge paternity, she later contacted the suspect, who allegedly admitted to being the child’s father.
Authorities said the suspect remains under custodial investigation and may face appropriate charges once the investigation is completed and forensic results are released.
The case has sparked public outrage and renewed calls for stronger protection for children and greater accountability, especially when minors are involved.