The Department of Justice (DOJ) has taken legal action against two individuals for allegedly trafficking and exploiting a newborn baby.
According to a 5-page resolution dated May 20, the DOJ has charged the two with qualified trafficking and child exploitation for attempting to sell the newborn for P90,000.
The DOJ stated, “There is enough evidence to accuse the respondents of qualified trafficking.”
The DOJ emphasized that selling the newborn constitutes exploitation.
The case originated from a complaint filed by the Philippine National Police-Women and Children Protection Center (PNP-WCPC) against the accused.
The PNP-WCPC received information from the National Authority for Child Care about the existence of a “black market” on social media where individuals seek to adopt children illegally.
In February, the PNP-WCPC engaged with an individual offering a newborn for P90,000. A policewoman posing as a prospective parent agreed to meet the individual in Dasmariñas City.
Secretary Rex Gatchalian of the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) confirmed that the child is under the care of one of the DSWD’s approved facilities.
The agency has raised concerns about the illicit adoption and sale of babies on social media, condemning it as a form of child exploitation and human trafficking.
Justice Secretary Jesus Crispin Remulla echoed this sentiment, stating, “Children are society’s most valuable assets and must be protected by law. They represent our future, and we cannot allow anyone to exploit them.”
