17-year-old student under WCPD custody over newborn's death

BACOLOD City — A 17-year-old Grade 12 student is under the custody of the Women and Children Protection Desk (WCPD) in Toboso, Negros Occidental, following the death of her newborn shortly after she allegedly gave birth on September 3. Authorities said the newborn had already been buried as police continued to investigate the circumstances surrounding the infant's death and determine whether criminal charges should be filed. Based on the account of the teenager's 16-year-old male friend, she allegedly gave birth at about 3 a.m. on September 3. The friend told reporters that shortly after the delivery, the teenager allegedly saw a knife and admitted that she had harmed the newborn. The alleged incident came to light several hours later when the teenager reportedly asked her friend to dispose of a sack at the back of their house, allegedly telling him that it contained a dead cat. The friend became suspicious because of the sack's weight and, upon checking it, allegedly discovered the body of the newborn inside. He initially attempted to seek assistance through the 911 emergency hotline but was unable to get through. He then sought help from neighbors, who subsequently contacted the police. Authorities said the teenager lives with her grandfather following the separation of her parents. Her grandfather, who works as a mechanic, reportedly leaves the house around 7 a.m. and returns in the afternoon and was unaware of his granddaughter's pregnancy. The teenager's 16-year-old friend also said he had no knowledge of the pregnancy. Police have also summoned and questioned the teenager's 20-year-old boyfriend as part of the investigation. The case remains under investigation, with authorities expected to establish the circumstances surrounding the newborn's death and determine the appropriate legal action./PN