Parents sell 12-day-old infant for street food capital

A 12-day-old baby girl was rescued after being sold by her own parents during an entrapment operation conducted by the Philippine National Police–Women and Children Protection Center (PNP-WCPC).

The operation was carried out on Monday, 2 February 2026, at a mall in San Jose del Monte, Bulacan, where the infant’s parents were arrested after accepting P27,500 in marked money.

Investigators said the couple allegedly planned to use the amount as start-up capital for a street food business selling kwek-kwek and fishballs.

Following the rescue, the National Authority for Child Care (NACC) immediately coordinated the infant’s care after a thorough health and medical assessment.

“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," said NACC Undersecretary Janella Ejercito Estrada.

"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," she added.

The parents are set to face charges for violating Republic Act 9208, as amended by RA 10164 and RA 11862, or the Expanded Anti-Trafficking in Persons Act of 2022, for qualified trafficking, as well as RA 7610, or the Special Protection of Children Against Abuse, Exploitation and Discrimination Act, for child abuse.

Estrada said the successful operation underscores the NACC’s commitment to its mandate on administrative adoption and alternative child care, as well as its ongoing campaign against illegal adoption, child abuse and exploitation, and child trafficking.