Cops identify parents of fetus found in trash bin

CEBU, Philippines — Police have identified the parents of a fetus found inside a trash bin at a women’s comfort room in the interim Carbon Market along Calderon Street, Barangay Ermita, Cebu City on Wednesday afternoon, June 10.

Police Captain Venstine Bontilao, officer-in-charge of the Carbon Police Station, said Thursday, June 11, that both the mother and father have been traced and are now confined at the Cebu City Medical Center (CCMC) for medical care and observation.

The mother is a 22-year-old vendor at the Carbon Market, while her 24-year-old live-in partner is also working in the same area.

Based on initial police findings, the fetus was first discovered at around 4:10 p.m. on June 10 by a 24-year-old woman who entered the comfort room at the Carbon Market interim building. The discovery was immediately reported to authorities.

Police arrived at the scene at around 4:45 p.m., although the mother had already been brought to CCMC by co-workers due to heavy bleeding.

One of their co-workers, Merlyn Magaso, said she noticed the 22-year-old complaining of abdominal pain and later bleeding heavily after coming out of the comfort room.

“Daghan kaayo’g dugo ang niagas,” Magaso said.

Magaso added that she immediately advised the woman’s live-in partner to bring her to the hospital. She also said the woman had been working for around three months as a rice merchandise repacker and that her condition was not known to co-workers as she usually wore loose clothing.

She further noted that had they known earlier, they could have assisted her sooner.

Doctors at CCMC reportedly told investigators that the mother had recently given birth, prompting questions from police on the whereabouts of the infant and placenta.

She allegedly told investigators that the fetus came out while she was defecating inside the comfort room, a claim that remains subject to validation.

Police said DNA samples have already been taken from the fetus and the identified parents to establish biological links, while co-workers have also been interviewed to help reconstruct the timeline of events.

Authorities are also reviewing closed-circuit television (CCTV) footage and gathering statements from witnesses as they work to establish the full circumstances of the incident.

The Cebu City Emergency Medical Services confirmed that the fetus showed no signs of life and was estimated to be five to six months in gestation.

Members of the Scene of the Crime Operatives (SOCO), led by Police Senior Master Sergeant Elmer Mosqueda, processed the area, while the fetus was brought to a funeral parlor for autopsy.

Police said it remains unclear whether the incident was intentional or not, as the investigation continues.

As of press time, both individuals remain under observation at CCMC while authorities continue to gather evidence. — /MRM (FREEMAN)