A newborn baby girl has been found abandoned in a cardboard box along a roadside – and authorities have launched an investigation to find out who left her there
Police have launched an investigation after a newborn baby girl was found abandoned in a cardboard box at the side of a road.
The discovery was made around 6:50am on Wednesday, September 24, by a passerby.
The infant, who appeared to be just hours old, was taken to hospital. Doctors confirmed she was in good health, according to the Associated Press. The baby was believed to be less than a day old, as her umbilical cord had already been cut.
A distressing video of the scene showed the newborn moving inside the box, which had been placed on a roadside wall.
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The baby was found in Tuguegarao City in the Philippines, according to a statement posted on Facebook by the Philippine National Police (PNP).
May Asuncion, a social worker from the City Social Welfare and Development Office, stated that the baby is stable but will remain under observation at the hospital for up to five days to ensure her continued well-being.
Chief Police Lieutenant General Jose Melencio C. Nartatez Jr. praised the swift response of local citizens and authorities.
“This rescue reflects the sense of care and responsibility that President Marcos expects from our law enforcement officers. Every life is valuable, and the PNP will not rest until we identify the individual who abandoned this child,” he said in the PNP’s official statement.
A police spokesperson echoed the sentiment, saying, “Thanks to the quick action of our fellow citizens, this baby’s life was saved. We urge anyone with relevant information to come forward so that justice can be served and the child can receive the care she deserves.”
The investigation remains ongoing. Police continue to seek leads that could help identify the baby’s parents or those responsible for her abandonment.
It comes after a newborn baby has been found abandoned with a stone in his mouth and lips glued shut to prevent him from crying.
The defenceless tot was discovered a pile of rocks in the Bhilwara district of Rajasthan, India on Tuesday, seemingly left to die. Horrific footage shows the infant lying amongst stones and rubbish as a cattle herder manages to open his mouth, with the child immediately starting to cry once the stone is removed.
The herder, along with other villagers, rushed the boy to the Bijolia Government Hospital for immediate medical attention. Doctors estimated the baby to be between 15 and 20 days old, finding adhesive not only around his mouth but also on his thighs.
Police believe that the use of glue and the stone was intended to stop the baby from making any noise that might attract attention. Detectives are now scouring delivery records from nearby hospitals to identify women who have recently given birth.