Police Investigate Abandoned Infant Found Wrapped Like Bouquet in Lapu-Lapu City
In a distressing discovery, the Lapu-Lapu City Police Office (LCPO) is currently investigating the case of an abandoned infant whose lifeless body was found in the city. The incident has sent shockwaves through the community, highlighting a tragic and mysterious event that authorities are working diligently to unravel.
Discovery in Sityo Cadulang
On the morning of Tuesday, February 17, 2026, residents of Sityo Cadulang in Barangay Marigondon, Lapu-Lapu City, made a grim finding. A newborn baby boy, estimated to be only about three days old, was discovered deceased. The infant's body was carefully wrapped in a blanket, fashioned to resemble a flower bouquet, and placed inside a cardboard box. This unusual and unsettling presentation has added a layer of complexity to the investigation, as police seek to understand the circumstances surrounding the child's death and abandonment.
Initial Investigation Details
According to Police Captain Edcel Petecio, the spokesperson for the LCPO, preliminary investigations suggest that the infant had been dead for approximately two days before being found. The prolonged exposure led to visible signs of decomposition, with authorities noting the presence of maggots on the baby's head. This indicates that the body had been left in the area for a significant period, raising urgent questions about the timeline and motives behind this act.
Further complicating the scene, investigators observed a small, dug-up patch of soil near where the cardboard box was located. This has led to suspicions that there might have been an attempt to bury the infant, which was ultimately abandoned. The combination of the bouquet-like wrapping and the makeshift burial effort points to a possible effort to conceal the crime, though the exact intentions remain unclear as the probe continues.
Ongoing Police Efforts
The Lapu-Lapu City Police Office has launched a comprehensive backtracking and investigation to identify those responsible for abandoning the infant. Authorities are examining all available evidence, including forensic details and witness accounts, to piece together the events leading up to this tragedy. The community is urged to come forward with any information that could assist in the case, as police work to ensure justice for the innocent victim.
This incident underscores broader concerns about child welfare and safety in the region, prompting calls for increased vigilance and support systems. As the investigation progresses, updates will be provided to the public, with the hope of resolving this heartbreaking case swiftly and thoroughly.
