A mother surrendered to the police in Loreto, Agusan del Sur, after confessing to the death of her newborn child, which was earlier mistaken as a “tiyanak.”
The baby was discovered near a restroom in Sitio Aurora, Barangay Johnson, where residents initially believed it to be a mythical creature seen during the late hours of the night.
The child, found in a premature state, was rushed to Valentina Galledo Plaza Memorial Hospital but was declared dead on arrival.
Barangay Captain Rex Magadan confirmed that the 18-year-old mother personally admitted to the crime after being consumed by guilt.
The young mother reportedly struck the newborn with a bladed weapon, leading to its untimely death.
Authorities are conducting further investigations to determine the full circumstances surrounding the tragic incident.