Cybercrime officers moved swiftly after flagging a Facebook post that appeared to solicit money in exchange for a child presented as a candidate for adoption, triggering an immediate law-enforcement response.
According to the Philippine National Police–Anti-Cybercrime Group, a cyber patroller initiated an undercover conversation with the account holder on Jan. 14. During the exchange on Facebook Messenger, the woman allegedly agreed to hand over the child for P8,000, setting the stage for a controlled operation.
Investigators said operatives transferred an initial amount ahead of a planned meeting to confirm the arrangement. The suspect was taken into custody once the transaction was verified, PNP-ACG Acting Director Wilson Asueta said.
Preliminary findings indicate the woman is unemployed and has seven children. Police further reported that one child had already been disposed of previously, while the remaining children were believed to be under the care of relatives. “According to the initial report, may seven children na siya. Ang isa nga raw dito ay naibenta na rin. Yung ibang anak niya ay nasa kustodiya ata ng kaniyang mga relatives (According to the initial report, the suspect has seven children, one of whom had reportedly already been sold, while the others are allegedly under the custody of her relatives),” Asueta said.
Authorities are also working to identify and locate the child’s father, who investigators believe may not have known about the alleged transaction. Asueta cautioned that bypassing lawful adoption channels exposes children to serious danger, noting the absence of safeguards and the risk of later exploitation, including organ trafficking.
Police reiterated that selling a child is illegal and warned the public against attempting to skirt adoption laws. “Ang anak ay hindi ari-arian na anytime p’wede natin ibenta. Kung gusto natin ng adoption, meron tayong dapat lapitan na ahensiya ng gobyerno. Meron tayong legal process for adoption (A child is not property that can be sold at any time. If we want to pursue adoption, we must approach the appropriate government agencies. There is a legal process for adoption),” Asueta said.
The child has been placed under the care of the Pasig City Social Welfare and Development Office, while the mother remains in custody and is facing cases under the Anti-Trafficking in Persons Act and the Special Protection of Children Against Child Abuse, Exploitation, and Discrimination Act.
