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Newborn boy found in Caloocan bears scratches from 'rat bites'


Bathed in blood, a newborn boy was found by a resident along a road in Caloocan City last Thursday, a television report said Saturday.

In an exclusive report on "24-Oras Weekend", Victoria Tulad said resident Nemuel Cailao found the newborn along Tangke Road in Barangay 157 at about  3 a.m. on May 2.

Cailao said, the baby still had his umbilical cord and placenta. He bore several scratches (believed to be rat bites)  in his arms, back, and feet.

Cailao said he woke up to a cry of a baby coming from the road. “‘Yung una may umiiyak na bata, sumilip lang ako doon sa may amin pagkatapos noon nawala,” said Cailao. “Sumubok uli ako matulog. Maya maya ayan na naman ‘yung iyak. Tinignan ko rito, finlashlightan ko ng cellphone ko, ayun nga.”

Cailao rushed to the barangay hall to ask for help. Authorities took the baby to the Caloocan City Medical Center.

According to the Caloocan City Social Welfare Department (CCSWD) the baby boy, which they named Matthew, is in stable condition. He has been given antibiotics and will be checked for leptospirosis.

“Seven days ang ibinibigay sa amin ng doktor doon sa ICU para doon sa medications niya,” Roberto Quizon, Action Officer of the CCSWD said.

“Kung talagang okay na siya, ita-transfer natin siya doon sa locally run na facility namin.”

The police are still looking for baby Matthew’s parents who could face raps for violating Republic Act 7610 or the Special Protection of Children Against Abuse, Exploitation and Discrimination Act.

Officials of Barangay 157 say their CCTV cameras along Tangke Road are not working. But they can check the list of pregnant residents for leads.

“Lahat ng buntis dito sa barangay ko at sa Barangay 156 pina-survey ko kung nanganak sila,” Brgy 157 Captain Willy Mañacop said. “Wala naman daw nanganak nitong buwan na ito.”

Social Welfare officials asking baby Matthew’s family to immediately coordinate with them. —LBG, GMA News

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