The Commission on Human Rights (CHR) has sounded the alarm over the increasing number of babies being sold through social media platforms in the Philippines, with some newborns being offered for as low as ₱90,000.
CHR Commissioner Będa Enpres revealed in a DZMM interview that at least 16 individuals have already been arrested in connection with the illegal practice, with one resulting in conviction. He added that the youngest reported case involved a baby just six days old.
“Medyo talamak siya ngayon maybe because of the advent of new technology. Nagagamit pong platform dito po sa illegal trade na ito ‘yung mga social media apps,” Enpres said, stressing how private Facebook accounts are being used to advertise and negotiate baby sales under the guise of informal adoptions.
Enpres warned that babies sold online may end up in abusive environments or be exploited for child pornography.
Investigations show that in many cases, the sellers are close relatives—often the parents themselves—who agree to the sale due to severe financial hardship.
“Kakuntsaba po ‘yung magulang dahil pumapayag po sila na ibenta ‘yung kanilang babies. Ang kasamaang palad ay ang parati nilang sinasabing dahilan ay yung kanilang kahirapan,” Enpres explained.
To evade legal scrutiny, the babies are later registered by the buyers through late birth registration, bypassing formal adoption procedures.
Enpres emphasized that any form of adoption must be done legally, warning that individuals caught engaging in baby selling could face charges under child abuse and human trafficking laws.
Just last July 3, authorities rescued a one-month-old baby in Pasay City who was reportedly sold for ₱90,000 via Facebook.
