The National Authority for Child Care (NACC) on Friday condemned the reported buy-and-sell of a baby through Facebook, calling it a “heinous crime for economic gain” after authorities rescued a one-month-old infant in Quezon City.

The baby was recovered during an entrapment and rescue operation conducted by the Philippine National Police–Women and Children Protection Center Luzon Field Unit (PNP WCPC-LFU) on Tuesday, 18 November.

According to the PNP spot report, the victim was initially bought for P20,000 and resold for P40,000 later the same day.

Three suspects — aged 22 to 26 — are now detained at Camp Crame and face charges for violating the Anti-Trafficking in Persons Act (RA 9208), as amended.

“Buy-and-sell of baby to earn money!” NACC Undersecretary Janella Ejercito Estrada said in outrage.

“This is just too much. We will not take this sitting. They must be punished for committing a heinous crime, and with a clear goal of economic gain — all done against a defenseless child,” she added.

The NACC said it has initiated assessment and coordination efforts with government offices and law enforcement for the baby’s proper care and intervention.