Abandoned Baby Girl Left in Cardboard Box on Side of the Road Sparks Hunt for Her Mother

A newborn baby girl was discovered abandoned in a cardboard box along the side of a road, prompting a police investigation as authorities work to locate her parents.

On Wednesday, Sept. 24, at approximately 6:50 a.m. local time, a resident found the baby in Tuguegarao City in the Philippines, the Philippine National Police (PNP) reported on Facebook.

The infant, believed to be a newborn, was taken to Tuguegarao City Peoples General Hospital, where doctors confirmed she was in good health, according to Newsflare, citing the Associated Press. A passing grandmother reportedly found the baby.

Authorities noted the infant appeared to be less than a day old, with a “clipped” umbilical cord, per Newsflare.

A video captured the newborn wriggling inside a box on a wall by the roadside.

May Asuncion, a social worker with the City Social Welfare and Development Office, said, “According to the examination, the baby is in stable condition, but she will remain in the hospital for up to five days to ensure she is in good health,” as reported by AP.

“This rescue is a testament to the care and duty that President Marcos expects from every law enforcement officer. Every life is precious, and the PNP will not stop until the person who abandoned this baby is identified,” Chief Police Lieutenant General Jose Melencio C. Nartatez Jr. said in an official statement.

“Because of the quick reporting of our compatriots to the police, the baby’s life was saved. We encourage anyone with information to come forward to bring justice and proper care to this child,” a police spokesperson added.

The investigation into the baby’s abandonment is ongoing, with authorities urging anyone with relevant information to come forward.

PEOPLE has reached out to Tuguegarao City Peoples General Hospital and the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) for updates on the baby’s condition.