NBI uncovers babies-for-sale syndicate on Facebook; one infant rescued in Las Piñas

The National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) uncovered a syndicate selling babies through Facebook, according to a report of John Consulta on "24 Oras" Monday.

Personnel of NBI–International Operations Division (IOD) rescued a one-week old baby that was about to be sold by the parents in Las Piñas.

During the operation, the suspects tried to snatch back the baby but the operatives prevented them.

Ronald Aguto, NBI cybercrime division chief said the Facebook page that was used as platform to sell babies was very active.

“Mapapansin sa account niya yung puro nagpapasalamat at proof na ginagawa nila yung ganitong transaction. Andito yung nagpapasalamat sa kanila dahil nagkaroon daw ng anak,”Aguto said.

The rescued baby was sold at P40, 000 but, according to Aguto, babies can be bought for as low P10,000.

According to the mother of the baby, when she got pregnant they already planned to sell the baby.

“Inofferan lang siguro yung asawa ko ng malaki kaya nasabi na binebenta pero hindi, ang ano lang namin ay ipa-adopt lang kasi para sa bata, malayo sa sakit, kasi barracks ang tinitirhan namin,” the father of the rescued baby said.

Aside from the parents of the baby, two other suspects were also arrested during the operation.

Social welfare officer Christine Baronia said that the baby will be turned over to a residential facility while they are looking for relatives who can take care of the baby.

“Parang walang pagsisisi sa mga mukha ng mga magulang kaya it makes us wonder kung sila ba talaga ang totoong magulang ng bata,” Aguto said.

The suspects will face charges for violation of the expanded human trafficking law and adoption act, the report said. —Joviland Rita/ LDF, GMA News