TANTANGAN, South Cotabato — The body of a newborn baby was found floating in an irrigation canal in Purok Mangga, Barangay New Lambunao, Tantangan, South Cotabato, on October 6, 2026, prompting barangay officials to immediately alert police authorities.
Barangay Captain Noli Lazag said he was conducting a routine inspection around the barangay when a resident approached him and reported that what appeared to be a fetus had been found in the irrigation canal.
Lazag immediately proceeded to the area, initially hoping that the baby might still be alive.
However, upon reaching the canal, the barangay officials and residents discovered that the baby had already died.
According to the barangay chief, the baby was first noticed by children who were playing in the vicinity of the irrigation canal. The children reportedly saw the body floating in the water and alerted others in the area.
The circumstances surrounding the baby’s death and how the body ended up in the irrigation canal remained unclear as of the initial report.
Lazag subsequently reported the discovery to the police for proper investigation.
Initial information indicated that the baby was male. Authorities are expected to determine through further examination the circumstances of the death, including when and how the infant was placed or thrown into the canal.
The baby’s remains were brought to a funeral parlor following the discovery.
Police and other authorities are expected to continue gathering information and examining the area as they work to establish the identity of the newborn and determine who may have been responsible for abandoning the body.
The incident has also raised concerns among local residents, particularly because the body was discovered in an area where children were playing.
Authorities have not yet released information identifying a possible mother or other person connected to the newborn. No motive or circumstances surrounding the apparent abandonment have been established at this time.
Further details will depend on the results of the investigation and any statements that may later be issued by the police or other authorities.