Police rescued a newborn baby who was left inside a paper bag in a parked multicab in Sta. Elena, Tacloban City on the night of May 12.
According to a police report, a concerned citizen found the baby inside the paper bag in the multicab parked outside their house at around 10:32 pm. The discovery was immediately reported to authorities, prompting personnel from the City Mobile Force Company and Police Station 3 of the Tacloban City Police Office to respond.
Upon arrival, police officers immediately secured the baby’s safety and provided initial assistance while waiting for support from concerned agencies.
The Women and Children Protection Desk also coordinated with the City Social Welfare and Development Office and the Tacloban Rescue Unit to ensure that the baby would receive proper care and medical evaluation.
Based on the initial assessment, the baby’s umbilical cord had not yet been cut and traces of dried blood were still visible on the baby’s hair, indicating that the child had just been born before being abandoned in the area.
PNP Chief Gen. Jose Melencio Nartatez Jr. commended the swift action of the responding police officers and the concern shown by the citizen who immediately reported the incident to authorities.
“This rescue shows the importance of community vigilance and quick police response. Every child deserves protection and care,” Nartatez said.
He added that the Philippine National Police (PNP) remains committed to protecting the vulnerable and those in need of immediate assistance, especially in situations involving threats to life and safety.
Authorities are continuing their investigation to identify the person who abandoned the baby.
Police Regional Office 8 assured the public that the child’s safety and welfare will remain a priority while the baby is under the care of concerned agencies.