DAVAO CITY – A newborn baby was found dead inside a plastic bag along the shoreline of Sasa 11, Zone 5, Davao City, early Thursday morning, June 25, prompting authorities to launch an intensive investigation to identify the person responsible for the apparent abandonment.
The lifeless infant was discovered at around 6:30 a.m. by 60-year-old fisherman Nelson Escobal, a resident of Cabayugan, Sasa 11, while conducting his regular fishing activities along the coast.
According to the initial report from Sasa Port Deputy Commander PO3 Alberto Lerio, Escobal immediately reported the grim discovery to authorities after noticing a plastic bag containing the body of a newborn baby washed ashore.
Initial examination by responding authorities indicated that the infant had only recently been born. Investigators noted the presence of vernix caseosa, the white, creamy substance that naturally coats the skin of newborns, suggesting that the baby had been delivered only a short time before being abandoned. Authorities also observed that the body had not yet begun to emit a foul odor, reinforcing the belief that the infant had been left at the shoreline only recently.
Personnel from the Philippine Coast Guard and the Sasa Police Station promptly responded to the scene, secured the area, and initiated an investigation into the circumstances surrounding the baby’s death and abandonment.
Authorities have yet to determine the identity of the infant or the mother. Investigators are now gathering evidence, interviewing potential witnesses, and reviewing possible leads to identify the individual or individuals responsible for leaving the newborn inside the plastic bag.
The baby’s remains were turned over to the appropriate authorities for further medico-legal examination to determine the exact cause of death and establish whether the infant was born alive before being abandoned.
Police have appealed to anyone who may have information regarding the incident to immediately coordinate with the Sasa Police Station, assuring the public that all leads will be thoroughly investigated.
The tragic discovery has shocked residents of the community and renewed calls for greater awareness of available maternal health, counseling, and crisis intervention services to help prevent similar incidents.
The investigation remains ongoing as authorities work to identify and hold accountable those responsible for the newborn’s death.