The Philippine National Police (PNP) Women and Children’s Protection Center (WCPC) reported Monday that it has filed 19 cases against 30 individuals involved in illegal adoption (child selling) since 2024.

PNP-WCPC chief Brig. Gen. Maria Sheila Portento, in a press briefing at Camp Crame, said that of the 19 filed cases, five were in 2024, eight in 2025, and six from Jan. 1 to Feb. 7, 2026. These cases have resulted in one conviction in 2024 for human trafficking and violation of Republic Act No. 7610, or the Special Protection of Children Against Abuse, Exploitation, and Discrimination Act.

She added that 19 operations conducted from 2024 to Feb. 7, 2026, led to the arrest of 30 individuals and the rescue of 21 victims. She clarified that the data only covers WCPC operations and does not include cases outside online platforms.

Portento said the accessibility of online platforms has made the crime more prevalent and alarming.

“Number one siguro namomonitor namin, that’s why we are actively engaging. Kasi kung nakita niyo, from 5 naging 8. Ngayon, tumawid lang ang February, this is only the second time we conducted 6 operations. So kami masusi ang pag-iimbestiga namin kasi baka mas marami sa likod na hindi nakikita. Ito yung natisod lang namin, and yet 6 na sila, pa-start lang ng February,” Portento said.

She added that the PNP-WCPC is exerting effort to raise community awareness that legal adoption is now easier, thanks to the National Authority for Child Care (NACC), which is accelerating the administrative adoption process and intensifying efforts against illegal adoption and online baby-selling to better protect vulnerable children.

“Kung noong unang panahon dadaan kayo sa korte na pagkahaba-haba ng proseso, ngayon administrative na lang yung proseso, mas madali na. So that’s why you can also help us to advocate na yung mga magulang na hindi binayayaan na magkaroon ng anak at gustong mag-ampon, lapit lang sila sa NACC, na meron naman mga regional offices. Puwede sila doon dumulog para kung talagang gusto nila mag-ampon ng bata,” Portento said.

“Nakakalungkot nga isipin, andaming batang nag-aantay for adoption sa mga bahay-ampunan natin. In the same manner, doon sa mga magulang na nagkaanak na hindi handa o hindi kayang palakihin ang mga bata, they can opt na i-offer siya for adoption through NACC para meron legal na paraan na magpa-adopt at mag-adopt," she explained.