By Teresa Montemayor
MANILA – The Council for the Welfare of Children (CWC) on Thursday called for thorough and impartial investigations into the separate discoveries of fetal and infant remains in Quezon City and Nagcarlan, Laguna.
In a statement, the CWC condemned acts that disregard children’s dignity and urged authorities to ensure proper handling of the remains and accountability once the facts have been established.
“The circumstances surrounding these discoveries are deeply disturbing. No child’s life or dignity should ever be treated with disregard, and the discovery of fetal and infant remains in places where they were left calls for serious attention and a thorough investigation,” CWC Executive Director Undersecretary Angelo Tapales said.
On Nov. 1, fetal remains were found inside a shoebox wrapped in plastic and mixed with roadside garbage along Regalado Highway in Barangay North Fairview, Quezon City.
Citing reports, the CWC said a person collecting recyclable materials found the box and alerted a nearby resident, who notified barangay authorities.
The Quezon City Police District has been reviewing CCTV footage and checking recordings from nearby establishments to identify who left the remains.
In Nagcarlan, an infant was found dead inside a restaurant’s toilet tank on Nov. 4.
Local police are investigating the circumstances of the death and seeking to identify those responsible.
“We must establish the truth, ensure accountability where warranted, and strengthen the support systems that can help prevent such incidents,” Tapales said.
The CWC emphasized the need for accessible health, social welfare and psychosocial services for individuals and families facing difficult circumstances, including information on where to seek assistance.
Individuals seeking help or reporting child abuse, violence, neglect, abandonment, and other child protection concerns may contact the MAKABATA Helpline at 1383, Smart number 0919-354-1383 or Globe number 0915-802-2375, its official Facebook and Instagram accounts, or by email to makabatahelpline@cwc.gov.ph. (PNA)
