GENERAL SANTOS CITY — Residents were shocked after a newborn baby boy was found dead along the shoreline of Zone 8, Barangay Bula, General Santos City, on Sunday afternoon, August 23, 2026, prompting police to launch an investigation to determine the circumstances surrounding the infant’s death and how the body ended up in the area.
The disturbing discovery was made shortly after 5 p.m. when residents noticed what initially appeared to be animal entrails floating near the shoreline. According to witness Desiree Jabines, she initially thought the object was the internal organs of a pig.
However, when she moved closer to inspect it, she realized that it was actually a newborn baby.
Residents were further shocked after noticing that the infant was still apparently attached to its umbilical cord, indicating that the baby had been born only recently.
Witnesses said waves appeared to have carried the infant toward the shoreline, although authorities have yet to establish whether the baby was deliberately abandoned in the area or was carried there by the sea.
The discovery was immediately reported to barangay officials, who coordinated with the police and other authorities in responding to the incident.
Zone 8 Chairperson Minda Faelnar confirmed that local officials are assisting investigators as authorities work to establish the identity of the baby’s mother and determine the circumstances leading to the infant’s death.
Personnel of the Bula Police Station conducted an initial investigation at the scene and examined the precise location where the newborn was discovered. Investigators are also looking into possible evidence and witnesses who may help establish whether someone left or disposed of the baby in the area.
PLTCOL. Rexor Jake Canoy, spokesperson of the General Santos City Police Office (GSCPO), said the fetus or newborn had been turned over for forensic examination.
The forensic process is expected to help authorities determine important details, including the circumstances surrounding the infant’s death and other information that could assist in identifying the mother or other persons who may have knowledge of the incident.
Police have not yet determined how long the infant had been in the area before being discovered.
Investigators are also appealing to residents who may have seen suspicious activity along the shoreline before the discovery, particularly anyone who may have witnessed a person leaving, throwing, or abandoning something in the area.
Residents Danica Jane Jabinez, Maryjane Jabinez and Luis Tenchavez were among those who expressed concern and sadness following the discovery, as the incident deeply affected members of the community.
Authorities subsequently brought the baby to a funeral home while police and barangay officials continued coordinating with concerned government agencies for the proper handling, documentation and examination of the remains.
Canoy stressed that the investigation remains ongoing and that authorities have yet to officially establish whether the infant was intentionally abandoned or whether the body reached the shoreline through other circumstances.
Police are also working to determine the exact time and location of the baby’s birth and death, as well as identify the infant’s relatives.
The incident has also renewed concerns over cases involving newborn babies being abandoned in General Santos City. Authorities noted that a similar case was reported in the city in the previous month, when a newborn baby was reportedly found inside a bowl at a lodging establishment in Barangay Lagao.
However, investigators continue to treat the Bula shoreline case separately pending the completion of the investigation.
Canoy warned that individuals who may be found responsible could face legal consequences under existing laws.
At the same time, he appealed to anyone experiencing difficulties during pregnancy or facing circumstances that may put a newborn at risk to seek help rather than resort to abandonment.
He said the police and local government authorities in General Santos City are available to assist individuals who may be facing serious personal or family problems and urged them to seek appropriate intervention.
As the investigation continues, police are asking anyone with credible information about the newborn, the identity of the mother, or any person who may have been involved in the incident to immediately report it to authorities.
The police emphasized that even seemingly minor information could help investigators reconstruct what happened and determine how the newborn came to be found dead along the shoreline of Barangay Bula.