PAGADIAN CITY — A newborn baby girl was found alive inside a sealed tomb at the Public Cemetery in Tuburan District, Pagadian City, at around 9:40 a.m. on October 27, 2026, after a man who was installing a new tombstone heard an infant crying.
The baby was discovered by Rommel M. Ramos, who was inside the cemetery to install a new gravestone when he heard what sounded like a baby’s cries. Following the sound, he traced it to a closed tomb, where he found the newborn lying on the floor beside two concrete burial chambers.
Alarmed by what he had discovered, Ramos immediately sought assistance from three cemetery workers who were painting tombs in the area: Ahron James Cababat, Jeamfel Aguinaldo, and Jursan Perater.
Upon inspecting the tomb, the workers found the baby without clothing, wrapped only in a piece of red fabric, with her umbilical cord still attached. They also noticed traces of dried blood on her body, while her lips had turned nearly black, raising serious concerns about her condition.
The workers quickly coordinated to bring the infant out of the enclosed tomb. Jeamfel reportedly retrieved her through an opening along the side of the structure and handed her to Jursan, while Ahron James wrapped the newborn in his own clothing to provide immediate protection.
They then sought assistance from an acquaintance with a pickup truck and brought the baby to the Tuburan Barangay Hall, where they reported the discovery and formally turned her over to barangay officials.
Recognizing the urgency of the situation, authorities immediately arranged for the infant to be transported to the nearest hospital for emergency medical attention. She was subsequently transferred to another hospital to undergo further medical assessment and receive appropriate care.
On October 28, 2026, at approximately 5 p.m., Tuburan barangay officials formally turned over the newborn to the Pagadian City Social Welfare and Development Office (CSWDO) for continued care and the processing of documents related to her foundling case.
In a public appeal, the CSWDO urged the baby’s parents or relatives to come forward and coordinate with the agency so authorities can discuss the child’s welfare and determine the appropriate next steps.
The agency said concerned individuals may visit its office on the fourth floor of the C3 Building in Santiago District, Pagadian City, or contact Social Worker Florida B. Taug-Israel at 0910-338-2567. They may also reach CSWDO Head Evangeline A. Poquita at 0977-832-9668.
The incident has raised serious concerns about the circumstances surrounding the newborn’s abandonment and the immediate risks to her life and well-being. For now, the priority remains ensuring her safety, medical recovery, and proper protection while social welfare authorities address the case.