ILOILO – An 11-month-old baby boy was found dead inside a four-foot water-filled drum in Barangay Sipitan, Tigbauan town early morning on July 21, after he was allegedly placed there by his own mother.
Police Captain Alfred Mansoy, chief of the Tigbauan Municipal Police Station, said the 27-year-old mother, identified by the alias “Jane”, had reportedly refused her husband’s invitation to attend church with him on July 20.
Upon returning home, the husband discovered that both Jane and the baby were missing. Despite heavy rainfall, he began searching for them and later found Jane near a wooded area. When confronted, she admitted to placing the baby in the drum before hiding.
The baby was rushed to the hospital but was declared dead on arrival by the attending physician.
Initial investigations revealed that Jane had two children from a previous relationship and had reportedly been separated from her former partner due to complications related to nervous and postpartum conditions.
The baby was set to celebrate his first birthday on July 25.
Police said Jane’s husband has chosen not to press charges. She is currently in the custody of the Tigbauan Municipal Social Welfare and Development Office./PN
