CEBU Governor Pamela Baricuatro has ordered an immediate investigation into the deaths of a mother and her unborn child, who reportedly were not admitted for a cesarean section at the Carcar Provincial Hospital.
“It’s heartbreaking what happened to the mother about to give birth and the infant who passed away while on their way to Talisay Hospital from Carcar District Hospital. We are currently investigating the incident, and I want to assure everyone that we are taking this matter seriously,” said Baricuatro in a Facebook post on July 24, 2025.
The incident first circulated on social media after the husband’s sibling posted an emotional appeal, seeking justice for the death of the mother and child.
According to a Facebook post by a certain Kiking Blues, who identified himself as the brother-in-law of the patient, they initially went to a hospital in Argao on Monday, July 21, but were referred to Carcar Provincial Hospital due to pregnancy complications that required an urgent cesarean (CS) operation.
Upon their arrival, he pleaded for the patient to undergo a CS section, but doctors allegedly denied the request.
They explained that the mother’s cervix was only dilated to 3 centimeters (cm) and would need to reach 10 cm before a cesarean could be performed.
Blues said by morning, the husband returned to once again request an emergency operation, but it was reportedly declined for the second time.
Doctors allegedly said that 24 hours had already passed and that the baby had died inside the womb.
The family was then referred to a hospital in Talisay City, but the mother reportedly lost consciousness and died on the way.
Following the incident, the victim’s husband called for justice and demanded accountability from those responsible.
Baricuatro, on her part, immediately issued a statement on her social media on Thursday, July 24, asking for understanding as an investigation is now underway.
"My sincere appeal to the public is not to assign blame to my governance and administration at this early stage. Please understand that we were not given a transition period and we inherited a healthcare system that has been neglected for years under the previous administration," she added.
Since assuming office, Baricuatro has prioritized inspecting hospitals across the province to assess their conditions and address urgent needs as part of her administration’s priority agenda. (ANV)