Newborn found alive inside sack abandoned in Iloilo town

INQUIRER FILES

ILOILO CITY, Philippines — A newborn baby was rescued after being discovered alive inside a sack and left along a bypass road in Barangay Cabugao Sur, Sta. Barbara, Iloilo province, on the evening of January 20.

Police said the infant was found at around 8 p.m. after a passing couple heard cries coming from a sack hanging along the roadside. Alarmed by the sound, the couple checked the bag and discovered a baby girl inside.

Police Captain Raffy Señeres, officer in charge of the Sta. Barbara Municipal Police Station, said the couple immediately alerted authorities.

READ: Case of abandoned baby in Cebu City: Cops identify person of interest

Personnel from the barangay health unit responded and brought the newborn to Western Visayas Sanitarium Hospital for proper medical care.

Investigators said the area where the baby was found was dark, isolated, and had no nearby houses. No witnesses have so far come forward who may have seen who abandoned the infant.

Once the baby’s condition stabilizes, authorities said she will be turned over to the Municipal Social Welfare and Development Office for temporary custody and further assistance.

Police have launched an investigation to identify and hold accountable the person or persons responsible for abandoning the newborn. /cb