12/02/2026
๐จ๐จ๐จ NACC lauds PNP WCPC for intensified efforts against sale of children online; Calls on social digital platforms to heighten safeguards against its proliferation
QUEZON CITY โ The National Authority for Child Care (NACC) commends the Philippine National Police โ Women and Children Protection Center (PNP WCPC) for its intensified operations against illegal adoption, child abuse, and child trafficking, following a successful back-to-back entrapment and rescue operations last February 4, Wednesday, in Angeles, Pampanga and Baliwag, Bulacan.
In the coordinated operations, authorities rescued a 2-day-old male infant in Angeles and a 3-month-old female infant in Baliwag, who were sold for P30,000 and P130,000, respectively. The former was brought to a hospital for medical attention while the latter is now under the care of a safe haven.
Four (4) suspects were arrested: one (1) in Angeles and three (3) in Bulacan. Initial investigations revealed that the Pampanga suspect attempted to give up her child due to unplanned pregnancy and because of her other childโs epileptic condition, while the suspects in Bulacan cited the need for bail money for the infantโs incarcerated father and medical expenses for the grandfatherโs operation.
The suspects face criminal cases in violation of Section 4(g) and Sec. 6(a) and (d) of Republic Act No. 9208, as amended by R.A. 10364, and further amended by R.A. 11862, or the Expanded Anti-Trafficking in Persons Act of 2022; and Sections 7 and 10 of R.A 7610 or the โSpecial Protection of Children Against Abuse, Exploitation, and Discrimination Act,โ in relation to Sec. 6 of R.A. 10175 or the โCybercrime Prevention Act of 2012.โ
NACC emphasized that these cases highlight the urgent need to strengthen protective mechanisms against child abuse, child trafficking and illegal adoption schemes, particularly those proliferating on social media platforms.
The NACC called on social media platform operators to heighten its safeguard mechanisms and proactively dismantle illegal adoption groups that exploit vulnerable families and children online.
โThe rescue of these infants is a testament to the vigilance and dedication of our law enforcers. However, the fight against child trafficking requires the cooperation of all sectors, including technology companies whose platforms are being misused for these illicit activities,โ said NACC Undersecretary Janella Ejercito Estrada.
โEasily, criminals can advertise and transact via social networking platforms which are accessible, free, and remain undetected. I do not believe that there is nothing we can do to stop them,โ explained Usec. Estrada.
As of January, the NACC monitored eight (8) active Facebook groups facilitating illegal adoption and the sale of infants.
The NACC reaffirmed its commitment to work closely with PNP WCPC, other government agencies, and the private sector to ensure that children are protected from exploitation and that perpetrators are held accountable under the laws.
