Parents who tried to sell 12-day-old baby for ₱27,500 arrested in Bulacan

The parents of a 12-day-old baby girl were arrested after they tried to sell their infant in San Jose del Monte, Bulacan.

According to a statement by the National Authority for Child Care (NACC), the parents were arrested after accepting the P27,500 buy-bust money during an entrapment operation on Monday.

The couple allegedly intended to use the money as capital for a street food business.

“The life of a child  is invaluable and must never be used as a commodity, and certainly not be exchanged for any amount, regardless of the circumstances," said NACC Undersecretary Janella Ejercito Estrada. 

"The NACC remains steadfast in  upholding every child’s right to identity, and to grow up in  a safe, loving and permanent family. No individual, or parent/s has the right to exploit a child, much less for financial gain. We will ensure that this infant receives the continued care and protection she deserves from the government," she added.

The couple is facing charges for violation of the Expanded Anti-Trafficking in Persons Act of 2022 for qualified trafficking, and the Special Protection of Children Against Abuse, Exploitation and Discrimination Act.

According to Mark Salazar’s “24 Oras” report, NACC is working on a permanency plan for the baby.

Before putting the baby up for adoption, the agency is looking for a capable relative up to fourth consanguinity who can adopt the child.

Estrada said NACC is monitoring Facebook groups that sell babies and report it to the Philippine National Police Women and Children Protection Center. 

NACC admitted that it is challenging to shut down the illegal adoption industry since people create Facebook pages anew when the previous ones were taken down, and this time, in the guise of pet adoption. —Jiselle Anne C. Casucian and Mariel Celine Serquina/RF, GMA Integrated News