Another ‘baby seller’ behind bars

Police arrested a woman in Pasig City last week after she allegedly attempted to sell her one-year-old child for P8,000 through social media.

The suspect was apprehended in an entrapment operation after she allegedly offered the infant to an undercover officer from the Philippine National Police Anti-Cybercrime Group (PNP-ACG).

Investigators began monitoring the woman after a PNP “cyber patroller” spotted a post offering a baby for adoption in exchange for cash.

Police Brig. Gen. Wilson Asueta, acting director of the PNP-ACG, said the suspect has seven children and admitted to selling another child in the past. The other children are currently in the custody of relatives.

“She attempted to sell her youngest,” Asueta said. “The suspect cited poverty as the reason.”

The infant is now in the custody of the Pasig City Social Welfare and Development Office. Authorities said they are working to locate the other child the woman allegedly sold previously.

The suspect has undergone inquest proceedings.

The arrest follows a 2024–2025 crackdown on the illegal sale of infants online.

In 2025, the National Authority for Child Care reported 16 online groups involved in child trafficking to the Cybercrime Investigation and Coordinating Center. Those reports have led to the rescue of 15 victims and the arrest of 21 suspects.

Asueta warned that those attempting to buy children online also face criminal prosecution.

“If you want to adopt, go to the proper government agencies, especially the DSWD,” Asueta said, referring to the Department of Social Welfare and Development. “The process must be handled through our courts.”        ENM