Tragic Discovery: Three Newborns Abandoned in Cebu Province

CEBU CITY – In a deeply unsettling incident that transpired on June 13, 2025, three deceased newborns were discovered abandoned in a plastic container within a compound in Barangay Cotcot, Liloan town, Cebu province. The find was made by Naciansino Gunato Bazarte, a 46-year-old employee at JIP Plastics, who was sorting through recyclable materials when he stumbled upon the container containing the infants. The police have indicated that the infants may have originated from a nearby birthing facility, as all three were reported to have intact body parts and wristbands typically used in hospitals.

The shocking discovery has left the local community in a state of disbelief and prompted a swift response from local authorities. Police have initiated a rigorous investigation to ascertain the circumstances surrounding the abandonment of the infants and to identify those responsible for this tragic event. According to Police Captain Mark Anthony L. Alcover, head of the Liloan Police Station, "This is a heartbreaking situation. We are doing everything possible to investigate this case thoroughly and bring justice for these children."

The finding of these newborns is particularly poignant given the increasing concerns about maternal health and child welfare in the Philippines. According to the 2022 report from the United Nations Children's Fund (UNICEF), the country has been grappling with high rates of infant mortality, attributed to factors such as inadequate healthcare access, poverty, and a lack of family planning resources.

Dr. Maria Elena Rodriguez, a maternal health expert at the University of the Philippines, emphasized the need for improved healthcare services to prevent such tragedies. "It is imperative that we enhance our maternal healthcare systems and educate communities about family planning and the resources available for new mothers," she stated in a recent interview. "Abandoning a child is often a last resort for mothers who feel hopeless and unsupported."

The incident has reignited discussions about the social and economic factors contributing to the abandonment of infants in the Philippines. Social workers in Liloan have noted that many families face significant economic challenges, which can lead to difficult decisions regarding child-rearing. "We need to ensure that families have access to the support they need to care for their children," said Maricar Dela Cruz, a social worker with the Department of Social Welfare and Development.

The local government has expressed its commitment to investigating the incident thoroughly and addressing the underlying issues that may have contributed to this heartbreaking situation. Mayor Christina Garcia Frasco stated, "We are deeply saddened by this tragedy and will work diligently to ensure that such incidents do not happen again. It is a call to action for all of us to provide better support for families in crisis."

In light of this incident, community leaders are urging local stakeholders to collaborate on initiatives that improve maternal and child health services, as well as to enhance public awareness regarding available resources for expectant mothers. The police investigation is ongoing, and authorities are appealing for any information that may lead to identifying the individuals responsible for the abandonment of the infants. The tragic discovery has not only shocked the local community but has also brought to the forefront the critical need for systemic change in supporting vulnerable families throughout the nation.