📷 X.com
The government is currently monitoring 23 Facebook groups and pages involved in the illegal adoption and online sale of babies, a troubling practice that has alarmed authorities and the public alike.
During the Bagong Pilipinas public briefing on Wednesday, National Authority for Child Care (NACC) Undersecretary Janella Estrada said several mothers tried to sell their babies through Facebook between P10,000 to P100,000.
Estrada also mentioned that these groups facilitate the illegal adoption process, often starting with the biological mothers seeking agents or brokers for their unborn children.
While Estrella admitted that while online activities are under close watch, she said they are unsure about illegal adoptions occurring outside these platforms.
“Nagsend po kami ng letter sa Facebook Meta Philippines although wala pa pong reply sa amin,” Estrada said.
“We shall intensify our information campaign para ipaalam sa ating mga kababayan na mayroon pong NACC na puwedeng tumulong sa kanila patungkol sa adoption and child care cases,” Estrada added.
Given that children are involved, such cases often fall under qualified trafficking, carrying a penalty of life imprisonment and a fine ranging from P2 to P5 million.
Additionally, violators face charges under the Anti-Child Abuse law, with penalties ranging from reclusion temporal to reclusion perpetua, and under RA 11642 for illegal adoption.
Estrella said that selling babies online also breaches the Anti-Crime Act, which can result in life imprisonment. (TCSP)
