RESIDENTS discovered the lifeless body of a newborn baby boy in a trash bin near a market in Barangay Dela Paz, Antipolo City, on Saturday morning.
Police Captain Carlo Tamondong of the Antipolo Police reported that authorities responded to the scene at 10:40 a.m. following a concerned citizen’s report.
“Around 10:30 a.m. on December 14, a concerned citizen alerted us after scavengers found the baby while searching through garbage. The infant was inside a box, wrapped in clothing and a towel,” said Tamondong.
According to tricycle driver Ronnie Lagata, he was waiting for passengers when a scavenger made the grim discovery and sought help.
“A scavenger was looking through the trash and found a bag. Inside the bag, wrapped in plastic and cloth, was the baby. It had started to emit an odor, so they called our attention to confirm what they found,” Lagata shared.
CCTV footage from the area showed barangay officials responding quickly, transferring the baby’s body to a box and transporting it in a barangay vehicle.
The baby has since been laid to rest at Antipolo City Public Cemetery.
Authorities have launched a manhunt operation to identify and arrest those responsible. The suspect could face charges of infanticide.
Police are urging anyone with information about the incident to come forward and assist in the investigation.