Police in Koronadal City have launched an investigation into an alleged attempt to steal the remains of a seven-month-old baby from the cemetery.

It was on Good Friday, March 29, 2024, during the Holy Week when the baby’s family visited the cemetery on the ninth day since the baby’s death. The baby died from pneumonia.

When they arrived, they saw the baby’s tomb already damaged with a big hole on it. The part of the glass casket near the baby's feet was broken.

"Mao tong natabo sir nag-gawas na iyang tiil tingala gani mi. Bisitahon ta namo kay sindihan namo og kandila kay adlaw man subong nga biyernes santo kay ika siyam na man niya kaadlaw,” the baby’s grandmother, Rossana Mamburao, said.

The family and some residents in the area believe that the people responsible may have wanted to steal the baby’s remains and turn body parts into amulets.

It is said that those who keep amulets believe that Good Friday, the day Jesus Christ dies on the cross, is the day to recharge the amulets.

The baby’s remains were intact, the grandmother said.

"Oo daw, mao daw gyud siguro to ang tuway-tuway sang bata ang kuhaon...pero wala man...gitan-aw man..okay man (gihapon),” the grandmother added.

The family had the tomb repaired immediately.

Authorities said a group of men was seen entering the cemetery that day, based on witnesses’ accounts.

As of this writing, investigation is ongoing to identify and arrest the perpetrators.