Telecpu and Child Helpline

𝐏𝐑𝐄𝐒𝐒 𝐒𝐓𝐀𝐓𝐄𝐌𝐄𝐍𝐓

𝐂𝐖𝐂 𝐉𝐨𝐢𝐧𝐬 𝐂𝐨𝐦𝐦𝐢𝐬𝐬𝐢𝐨𝐧 𝐨𝐧 𝐇𝐮𝐦𝐚𝐧 𝐑𝐢𝐠𝐡𝐭𝐬 𝐨𝐧 𝐂𝐚𝐥𝐥 𝐭𝐨 𝐀𝐜𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧 𝐭𝐨 𝐄𝐧𝐝 𝐁𝐚𝐛𝐲 𝐒𝐞𝐥𝐥𝐢𝐧𝐠

The Council for the Welfare of Children (CWC) strongly condemns the alarming and ongoing practice of baby selling in the country.

The rising cases of baby selling are a cause for deep concern, as they reflect the commodification and exploitation of children. One example was a recent case early in July, where a one-month-old baby was rescued in Pasay City after an entrapment operation exposed attempts to sell the infant for PhP 90,000. This alarming case highlights the urgent need to protect children from trafficking and abuse.

The act of buying or selling a child, or both for any consideration or for barter for purposes of exploitation is a form of trafficking in persons, punishable under Section 4(k) of the Republic Act No. 9208 or the “Anti-Trafficking in Persons Act,” as amended by RA Nos. 10364 and 11862. Under Section 10 of said Act, a person convicted of such crime shall be penalized with 20 years of imprisonment and fines ranging from PhP 1 million to PhP 2 million.

Baby selling not only violates the law, but also violates the rights and dignity of the child. There are legal and compassionate processes that provide alternative care options for children, such as adoption and foster care under RA No. 11642 or the “Domestic Administrative Adoption and Alternative Child Care Act.” These processes have been streamlined to ensure faster and safer placements. Furthermore, these processes ensure that the inherent dignity and best interests of the child are always upheld.

The CWC urges everyone—including the private sector, online platforms, and especially the general public—to help put an end to this form of exploitation of children. We should remain vigilant and report any suspected cases of baby selling or child trafficking. Every child deserves to grow up in a safe and nurturing environment, free from exploitation and harm.

Should you know of any case involving trafficking of children or any other violation of children’s rights, you may contact the MAKABATA Helpline 1383 through the following:

📞 Call the 1383 Helpline number
📱 Smart: 0919-354-1383 | Globe: 0915-802-2375
📩 Chat the Makabata Helpline 1383 on Facebook and Instagram
Click-to-call the Makabata on the CWC website
🖥️ Report through the e-Gov Super App of the DICT (Click "Child Abuse")

Reports may also be made to the Inter-Agency Council on Anti-Trafficking Helpline 1343 for appropriate assistance or intervention.

Basta Bata, Tayo ang Bahala!