Photo courtesy of Philippine National Police/Facebook. Feb. 5, 2026.
A 12-day-old baby girl was rescued after police uncovered an attempted child sale in San Jose del Monte City, Bulacan, authorities said.
The Philippine National Police–Women and Children Protection Center (PNP-WCPC) arrested the infant’s parents during an entrapment operation on February 2 after they allegedly accepted ₱15,000 in exchange for the child.
Police said the couple planned to use the money to start a small street food business. Both suspects are adult Filipino citizens.
The baby was immediately turned over to the National Authority for Child Care (NACC) for medical assessment and temporary protective custody.
PNP Chief Police Gen. Jose Melencio C. Nartatez Jr. said the case underscored the need for swift intervention in situations involving children at risk.
The suspects were charged with qualified trafficking in persons under Republic Act No. 9208, as amended, and child abuse under Republic Act No. 7610.
The PNP said it continues to intensify operations against child exploitation and trafficking, stressing coordination with social welfare agencies to ensure the safety and welfare of rescued minors.