A 12-day-old baby girl was rescued after her parents allegedly sold her as start-up capital for a street food business, following an entrapment operation conducted by the Philippine National Police-Women and Children Protection Center (PNP-WCPC) on Monday.

Police said the operation took place at a fast-food chain inside a major mall in San Jose del Monte City, Bulacan. The infant’s parents were arrested after allegedly accepting buy-bust money amounting to P27,500.

Investigators disclosed that the couple planned to use the money as start-up capital for a street food vending business selling kwek-kwek and fishballs.

After the rescue, the infant was handed over to the National Authority for Child Care (NACC) for proper care following health and medical checks.

“The life of a child is invaluable and must never be used as a commodity, and certainly not be exchanged for any amount, regardless of the circumstances,” NACC Undersecretary Janella Ejercito Estrada said.

She added that the agency remains committed to safeguarding children’s rights and welfare.

“The NACC remains steadfast in upholding every child’s right to identity and to grow up in a safe, loving, and permanent family. No individual, or parent/s, has the right to exploit a child, much less for financial gain. We will ensure that this infant receives the continued care and protection she deserves from the government,” Estrada said.

Authorities stated that the parents will face charges for violating Republic Act 9208, as amended by Republic Act 10164 and 11862, or the Expanded Anti-Trafficking in Persons Act of 2022, for qualified trafficking. They are also set to be charged under Republic Act 7610, or the Special Protection of Children Against Abuse, Exploitation and Discrimination Act, for child abuse.

The PNP-WCPC said the successful operation highlights continued coordination with the NACC in combating illegal adoption, child abuse, exploitation and trafficking, while ensuring that rescued children are placed under proper state protection.