A 12-day-old baby girl was rescued after her own parents allegedly sold her for cash intended to fund a street food business, following an entrapment operation conducted by the Philippine National Police–Women and Children Protection Center (PNP-WCPC) on Monday, 2 February.

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.

Following the rescue, the infant was immediately turned over to the National Authority for Child Care (NACC), which coordinated her care after undergoing health and medical assessments.

“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 Estrad said.

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

“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 said the parents will face charges for violations of Republic Act No. 9208, as amended by Republic Act Nos. 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 No. 7610, or the Special Protection of Children Against Abuse, Exploitation and Discrimination Act, for child abuse.