The National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) - Human Trafficking Division (HTRAD) arrested an individual in Muntinlupa City on Thursday for selling a newborn baby online.
After receiving a tip from the Department of Justice - Inter-Agency Council Against Trafficking - NBI CyberTip Center (DOJ-IACAT-NBI Cybertip), NBI Director Judge Jaime Santiago informed the HTRAD operatives about a certain individual who was selling a baby on Facebook.
The assigned operatives verified the source and was able to confirm that the allegations were true.
In cooperation with the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD), DOJ-IACAT-NBI Cybertip, and Exodus Road Philippines, the operatives prepared for the rescue operation and entrapment of the said suspect.
On the day of the operation, the suspect was caught red-handed selling a six-day-old baby online.
The suspect reportedly violated Child Trafficking under RA No. 7610, or the Special Protection of Children Against Abuse, Exploitation, and Discrimination Act, in relation to RA No. 19175 (Cybercrime Prevention Act of 2012), and RA No. 9208, or the Anti-Trafficking in Persons Act of 1998.
Director Santiago stressed that the sale of babies and children is illegal and a serious violation of the law.
The rescued baby is currently in the custody of the DSWD-NCR.
