Newborn rescued from cemetery

MISAMIS ORIENTAL — Police rescued a newborn found abandoned in a cemetery in Barangay North Poblacion, Medina, Misamis Oriental, on Saturday.

Police Col. Al Abenales, provincial director of the Misamis Oriental Police Provincial Office (MORPPO), said Medina Municipal Police Station personnel responded at around 9:30 a.m. to a report about the abandoned infant.

Responding officers coordinated with concerned authorities to ensure the newborn received immediate medical attention.

Initial investigation showed that witnesses heard a baby crying and, upon checking the area, found the newborn wrapped in cloth. They immediately sought assistance from authorities.

The infant was reportedly left at the cemetery earlier that morning. Police are still verifying the circumstances surrounding the incident.

The newborn was brought to a hospital in Balingasag, Misamis Oriental, for medical evaluation and treatment before being referred to the Medina Municipal Social Welfare and Development Office for proper care and custody.

“Every child deserves love, care and protection. We remind everyone that abandoning a child puts an innocent life at serious risk. If you are facing difficulties in caring for a child, please seek assistance from your family, local social welfare office, or concerned authorities. There are proper and lawful ways to seek help,” Abenales said.

MORPPO said it is investigating the incident in coordination with concerned agencies while safeguarding the infant’s welfare, safety and confidentiality.