2-hour-old baby found abandoned: Bontoc LGU urges parents to cooperate with MSWDO and public to exercise compassion

BONTOC, Mountain Province – A newborn believed to be only two hours old when he was found abandoned in Bontoc is now under the care of authorities, as the local government appeals to the child's parents to come forward and assures them that their identities will be kept confidential.

According to the Bontoc Municipal Government, passersby discovered the infant at around 7:20 p.m. on June 25 in Pawek, Sitio Khefa, Barangay Samoki, prompting an immediate response from local officials.

Authorities estimated that the baby was born between 4:00 p.m. and 5:00 p.m. that same day, indicating that he had been abandoned only a few hours after birth.

The infant was immediately rescued and rushed to the Bontoc General Hospital, where he is currently receiving medical care and is under the protection of the local government.

The Municipal Social Welfare and Development Office (MSWDO) said its immediate priority is to safeguard the child's welfare while providing the appropriate assistance and interventions for the family in accordance with existing laws and child protection policies.

The Bontoc LGU also appealed to the newborn's parents to coordinate with the MSWDO, assuring them that any information they provide will be treated with strict confidentiality. They may contact the office through 0945-422-5642 or visit the MSWDO office.

While authorities continue to handle the case, the municipal government also urged the public to exercise compassion and refrain from making harmful or speculative comments on social media.

“The public is also reminded to exercise caution and compassion when discussing or sharing information about this incident on social media. This post is intended solely to seek the public’s assistance in identifying the newborn’s biological parents or relatives and to facilitate the appropriate interventions for the child and family,” the LGU appealed.

Authorities continue to seek information that may help identify the child's biological parents or relatives to ensure that appropriate legal and social welfare interventions are provided while protecting the best interests of the newborn.