Parents sell 12-day-old infant for street food cart business startup

SAN JOSE DEL MONTE, BULACAN – A 12-day-old baby girl was successfully rescued after being sold by her own parents in an entrapment operation conducted by the Philippine National Police-Women and Children Protection Center (PNP-WCPC).

The operation took place on Monday, February 2, 2026, at a prominent mall in San Jose del Monte, Bulacan. The infant’s parents were arrested after accepting buy-bust money amounting to P27,500.00. Investigations revealed that the couple allegedly intended to use the amount as start-up capital for a street food business selling kwek-kwek (deep-fried quail eggs) and fishballs.

The National Authority for Child Care (NACC) immediately coordinated for the care of the infant, after thorough health and medical assessment. 

“The life of a child  is invaluable and must never be used as a commodity, and certainly not be exchanged for any amount, regardless of the circumstances,” said NACC Undersecretary Janella Ejercito Estrada. 

“The NACC remains steadfast in  upholding every child’s right to identity, and to grow up in  a safe, loving and permanent family. No individual, or parent/s has the right to exploit a child, much less for financial gain. We will ensure that this infant receives the continued care and protection she deserves from the government,” Estrada added.

The couple is set to face appropriate charges for violating Republic Act (RA) 9208, as amended by R.A. 10164 and R.A. 11862 or the Expanded Anti-Trafficking in Persons Act of 2022 for qualified trafficking; and R.A. 7610, or the “Special Protection of Children Against Abuse, Exploitation and Discrimination Act,” for child abuse. 

This successful operation underscores NACC’s commitment to its mandate on the administrative adoption and alternative child care and ongoing campaign against illegal adoption, child abuse and exploitation, and child trafficking.

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