A 17-year-old mother was arrested after authorities discovered she was allegedly attempting to sell her one-month-old baby for P55,000 on Facebook, the National Authority for Child Care reported Thursday.
The arrest has prompted officials to highlight the growing issue of “online baby selling,” which the NACC classifies as a form of child trafficking and illegal adoption.
Undersecretary Janella Estrada, head of the NACC, said that while the agency remains firm in its campaign against exploitation, the case underscores the need for better support for teenage parents.
“We also need to underscore the critical importance of providing support mechanisms for adolescent mothers,” Estrada said in a statement.
The incident coincides with the Department of Social Welfare and Development’s (DSWD) launch of its 2026 priority programs, which include “ProtecTEEN.” The project is designed to provide psychosocial support, parenting workshops, and access to education and livelihood opportunities for adolescent mothers and their families.
Estrada explained that the goal of the program is to empower young mothers and create a supportive environment that prevents them from turning to illegal acts due to financial or emotional desperation.
The NACC said it is working with law enforcement to monitor social media platforms for similar trafficking attempts.
She also urged struggling young mothers and their families to seek help through DSWD field offices or local government units rather than turning to the black market.