A lifeless infant was discovered in an open drainage canal on Monday, October 6, in Catarman, Northern Samar, prompting an investigation that later identified a college student as the primary suspect.
The corpse of the newborn infant was found in Barangay UEP Zone II, Catarman, Northern Samar by a Catarman resident who is also a police officer. He immediately reported the incident to the Catarman Municipal Police Station (MPS).
According to reports, the infant was a newborn female seen lying face down and floating in an open drainage canal, partially submerged in dirty water.
Authorities quickly responded and retrieved the infant's body, which was then brought to the Municipal Rural Health Office for proper disposition.
Provincial Director Police Colonel Sonnie Omengan ordered the Catarman Municipal Police Station and the Provincial Investigation and Detective Management Unit to launch a thorough investigation into the circumstances surrounding the infant’s death.
As part of the ongoing probe, authorities have begun backtracking operations, including the collection of CCTV footage from nearby households, in an effort to identify potential suspects and establish a timeline of events.
The investigation identified the suspect as a 19-year-old female college student from Palapag, located about 62 kilometers away from Catarman, where the lifeless infant was found.
Based on statements gathered by authorities, the suspect’s landlady reported receiving a text message from her boarder on Sunday, October 5, at around 8:45 p.m., asking if she had any medicine for dysmenorrhea.
A tenant also reported seeing the suspect early morning heading to the comfort room. The tenant recalled hearing unusual noises, like someone in pain or distress, along with splashing sounds.
Authorities then reviewed CCTV recordings from the boarding house, which helped uncover vital details and provided key leads in piecing together the case.
The footage showed the suspect leaving the comfort room at around 3:15 a.m on October 6, carrying a white pail with a label “Davies Megacryl.”
Moments had passed, when the footage showed her returning to her room with bloodstains in her slippers.
PCol. Omengan stated that the recovered CCTV footage is crucial evidence in solving the crime, helping to piece together what transpired and clearly identifying the suspect. He also assured the public that authorities remain fully committed to the ongoing investigation, emphasizing that investigators are actively pursuing the underlying elements to uncover the truth and hold those responsible accountable while upholding due process.
Meanwhile, the Women and Children Protection Desk of the Catarman MPS also continues to conduct a thorough investigation, in coordination with the Municipal Social Welfare and Development Office, to determine the full circumstances surrounding the incident.
