Authorities rescue a three-month-old baby girl in Baliwag City, Bulacan on Wednesday, Feb 4, 2026, after her mother, grandmother and aunt allegedly tried to sell her for P130,000. - Photo from the Philippine National Police Women and Children Protection Centre
MANILA: Authorities arrested four individuals for allegedly trying to sell two babies in separate operations in Pampanga and Bulacan, the Philippine National Police Women and Children Protection Centre (PNP WCPC) said on Thursday (Feb 5).
The suspects were entrapped last Wednesday after supposedly being monitored trying to sell the babies online, the WCPC noted in a statement.
In Angeles City, Pampanga, the mother of a two-day-old baby boy was arrested for allegedly attempting to sell him for P30,000.
“This was because the pregnancy was not planned and she had another child who had the condition of epilepsy,” the WCPC explained in Filipino.
Meanwhile, in Baliwag City, Bulacan, the mother, grandmother and aunt of a three-month-old baby girl were arrested for supposedly trying to sell her for P130,000.
“Based on the report, the said amount would have been used to post bail for the child’s father and to pay for the grandfather’s medical operation,” the WCPC detailed.
It noted that police operatives coordinated with the respective local social welfare offices for the proper disposition of the children.
Meanwhile, the four suspects were taken into the custody of their local police, awaiting cases for violations of Republic Act No. 9208 or the Anti-Trafficking in Persons Act; as well as RA No. 7610 or the Special Protection of Children Against Abuse, Exploitation, and Discrimination Act.
The cases would be in relation to RA No. 10175 or the Cybercrime Prevention Act.
“It’s never acceptable to exploit children, especially through selling and online trafficking.,” WCPC Chief Brig. Gen. Maria Sheila Portento said in the statement.
“We will continue to strengthen our operations and coordination with other agencies to ensure their protection and safety,” she added. - Philippine Daily Inquirer/ANN
