The Philippine National Police (PNP) on Friday reaffirmed its commitment to imposing stricter penalties and stepped-up enforcement of anti-trafficking laws amid a rise in cases involving the online sale of infants.

Police Chief Lieutenant General Jose Melencio Nartatez Jr. said the PNP supports giving “more teeth” to sanctions against individuals involved in online child-selling and is prepared to work with other government agencies to address the problem.

Data from the PNP Women and Children’s Protection Center (WCPC) showed that eight people were arrested in 2025 for selling their babies online, up from five arrests in 2024.

Nartatez cited the Expanded Anti-Trafficking in Persons Act and the Domestic Administrative Adoption and Alternative Child Care Act as the primary laws enforced in connection with these cases.

He also expressed concern over the increase in reported incidents and said the police would coordinate with social media platforms as part of efforts to curb online transactions involving the sale of infants.

Nartatez added that the PNP continues to strengthen law enforcement measures related to child protection.

Authorities warned that without accountability for individuals and syndicates involved, cases of online child-selling could continue to rise.