A newborn boy abandoned inside the St. Augustine Metropolitan Cathedral in Cagayan de Oro was rescued by authorities on Tuesday, June 17, 2025.

The baby was found inside an eco bag placed near the tabernacle of the cathedral.

According to the parish secretary, two women were seen sitting near the area where the baby was found.

“Mga 4:20 (PM) gyud to siya didto pa to sila naglingkod sa bangko sa lay ministers ug magbabasa dayon mga around 4:39 (PM) nigawas na ang duha pero nagbulag sila ug agi mao to mga 4:55 (PM) dayon naalarma na ang tanan tungod nakita naman siya sa usa sa mga nag-ampo didto nga naay bata gibilin,” Parish Secretary, Joel Nabas, said.

Personnel from Barangay 1 and the City Social Welfare and Development Office (CSWDO) responded immediately.

The baby was found to be safe and was fed by a breastfeeding mother who happened to be in the area.

An elderly woman approached the CSWDO later in the evening and claimed to be the baby’s grandmother.

“Ato siyang giimbestigahan together with WCPD sa Police Station 1 kaganina buntag giadtuan nato sa area negative diay siya. Dili siya ang lola ang iyang giingon nga iyang apo naa ra sa Agora,” Cherikawa Pania of the CSWD Oro Response and Processing Center said.

The baby is in the custody of CSWDO while paperwork is being prepared for his transfer to the DSWD shelter.

Authorities urged the mother to come forward and coordinate with the CSWD for proper intervention.

“Ayaw kahadlok og duol sa CSWD ug unsa man gani ang imong mga problema ato na tabangan og lutas,” Pania added.