Cebu City Medical Center (CCMC) management clarified that it was not involved in the alleged sale of a newborn, stating the transaction occurred after the mother and child were discharged.
Dr. Anton Oliver Reposar II, CCMC chief, confirmed the mother gave birth at the hospital but emphasized the incident took place outside the facility. The mother and baby were discharged on March 6, 2025, ending the hospital’s responsibility for their care.
Reposar assured no transaction occurred inside the hospital, citing strict security measures. He noted the hospital carefully monitors all visitors, including press members, to prevent unauthorized access.
LtCol. Maria Theresa Macatangay, deputy director for operations at Cebu City Police Office, said the police were unaware of the sale, which occurred without disturbance. The investigation began after a concerned citizen reported hearing the woman’s child mention the sale for a cellphone.
Police later confronted the mother, who admitted to selling the newborn with the help of a middleman for P87,000. The buyer was identified as a nurse married to a military officer.
The mother, who has seven other children, also confessed to selling a previous child. Authorities suggested drug use may have influenced the decision.
The mother and her partner were detained, while the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) took custody of the children, including the rescued infant.
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