18-year-old ma nabbed for leaving newborn in Cebu river

An 18-year-old was arrested on Thursday for leaving her newborn child in the Mananga River in Talisay City, Cebu.

A report by Lou Anne Mae Rondina in 24 Oras said that Geraldine Castro claimed that she didn't know that she was pregnant.

Her mother, Anselma Alicaba, was also unaware of Geraldine's pregnancy. Anselma was at the market when her daughter was rushed to the hospital to give birth.

"Hindi ko talaga alam na manganganak siya dahil noong time na yon sumakit lang ang kanyang tiyan," Anselma said.

By the time Anselma reached the hospital, the infant was gone.

Talisay City Police's Women's Desk said that they received reports that a dead infant was found floating in the Mananga River.

"Nakita ko talaga ang sanggol. Nangitim na, ibinalot ng tela," said PO3 Janet Marquez.

A witness, Alberto Abendan, said that he saw a woman throwing something wrapped in black cloth into the river.

"Ibinalot ng tela na itim. Wala na akong nakita basta pumunta siya doon at may itinapon. Umuwi siya at wala ng dala," said Abendan.

A tearful Geraldine admitted that she did leave her child in the river.

"Wala talaga...hindi ko sinasadya. Marami ngang nagtatanong kung buntis ba ako, Sabi ko, hindi dahil normal lang ang regla ko," she said.

The newborn was buried in a cemetery near the river.

Geraldine is currently in the custody of police and is facing charges. —Jessica Bartolome/NB, GMA News