CATARMAN, NORTHERN SAMAR — The body of a newborn baby girl was discovered early Monday morning, October 6, 2025, in a drainage canal at UEP Zone II, Catarman, Northern Samar. A bloodstained bucket was found near the infant’s body, prompting an immediate investigation by authorities.
In a statement, the Northern Samar Police Provincial Office (NSPPO), under the leadership of Provincial Director PCOL Sonnie B. Omengan, reported significant progress in identifying the suspect behind the incident. Police confirmed that the alleged perpetrator is a 19-year-old college student and a resident of Palapag, Northern Samar.
Based on the initial investigation, the suspect’s landlady recalled receiving a text message around 8:45 p.m. on October 5 from her boarder, asking if she had any medicine for dysmenorrhea. The landlady advised her to purchase medicine from outside. Another tenant reported hearing unusual noises early the next morning from the comfort room — sounds of distress and splashing, as though someone was in pain.
Through backtracking operations, investigators reviewed CCTV footage from the boarding house, which proved crucial in piecing together the timeline. The video showed the suspect leaving the comfort room around 3:15 a.m., carrying a white pail labeled “Davies Megacryl.” Moments later, she was seen returning to her room, and investigators later noted bloodstains on her slippers.
PCOL Omengan commended the use of CCTV evidence in solving the case, emphasizing its role in reconstructing the suspect’s actions.
“The CCTV footage played a crucial role in helping our investigators piece together what transpired. This highlights how surveillance systems can greatly assist law enforcement in uncovering the truth,” he said.
The Women and Children Protection Desk of the Catarman Municipal Police Station, led by PMAJ Berniede L. Magamay, continues to investigate the case in coordination with the Municipal Social Welfare and Development Office (MSWDO) to establish the full circumstances surrounding the newborn’s death.
Authorities assured the public that all leads are being pursued as the investigation progresses.
