Authorities are still waiting for the results of the autopsy on the remains of the 8-month-old Lumad infant who reportedly died inside the Haran compound along Father Selga Street on May 9.
The result of the examination will help in the investigation of the Davao City Police Office to determine if there was foul play and allay fears that the death could be related to COVID-19.
Mayor Sara Duterte on Wednesday said during a radio interview that she had ordered the DCPO to exhume the body of the baby for autopsy and for proper burial.
“We are still waiting on the test that is being conducted by the Crime laboratory,” Col. Kirby John Kraft said in a text message to TIMES.
Based on the initial report, the body was exhumed from Madapo Cemetery on May 13 by personnel of the DCPO, Scene of the Crime Operatives, and officials of Barangay 8-A.
The information about the baby’s death was disclosed on May 11 by the mother, who is said to be mentally challenged, to social workers of the City Social Welfare and Development Office (CSWDO) during the relief goods distribution at UCCP Haran.
Alias John, 20, her daughter died and was buried on the same day at Madapo Cemetery without proper preparation and documentation from the government. The San Pedro Police Station said that the shallow grave did not have the authorization from the cemetery administrators.
The UCCP Haran compound has been taking indigenous people evacuees since 1994 because of alleged massive militarization in Talaingod, Davao del Norte, and other areas.
The military, meanwhile, insisted that the Lumads staying there were hostages of the Communist Party of the Philippines and its legal fronts for their propaganda.
