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Manila Bulletin devider Philippines devider National devider Over 500 Facebook accounts 'selling babies' taken down -- DOJ

Over 500 Facebook accounts 'selling babies' taken down -- DOJ

Published May 30, 2024 06:23 am

More than 500 Facebook accounts have been taken down for involvement in the sale of babies, the Department of Justice (DOJ) said Thursday, May 30.

DOJ Assistant Secretary and Spokesman Jose Dominic F. Clavano IV said the department is still searching for more accounts. 

"Pero sa tingin ho namin kulang pa din 'yun (But we believe those are not enough)," he said during an interview on PTV’s Bagong Pilipinas Ngayon.

 “Medyo prevalent pa rin po. Medyo marami pa ring account na kailangan isara (It is still prevalent. There are still many accounts that have to be closed down),” he lamented.

He disclosed that the DOJ is now in talks with the Office of the President (OP) on how to address the problem.

"Si Presidente na mismo gusto na mag-intervene dito sa ating problemang ito (President Marcos himself wants to intervene in this problem)," he pointed out.  

“Walang progreso ang Pilipinas kung meron tayong mga problemang ganito ayon sa Pangulo (The President believes the Philippines will not progress if it has such problem),” he explained.

Earlier, the DOJ approved the filing of criminal cases in court against Arjay A. Malabanan and Ma. Chariza R. Dizon for violations of Sections 4(g), 6(a), and 6(o) of Republic Act (RA) 9208, the Anti-Trafficking in Persons Act of 2003, as amended, and Section 10(a) of RA 7610, the Special Protection of Children Against Child Abuse, Exploitation and Discrimination Act.

Malabanan and Dizon were arrested last May 15 in Dasmarinas City in Cavite during an entrapment operation conducted by the Philippine National Police-Women and Children Protection Center (PNP-WCPC) for selling a newborn baby through Facebook for P90,000.

Clavano warned that those who intend to buy babies will also be prosecuted.

“Meron din po talagang liability ‘yung mga bumibili dahil alam naman po nila na ilegal ‘yung pinapasukan nila (There is criminal liability for those who buy babies because it it an illegal act), he explained.

He pointed out that the legal process for adoption is free.

“Kailangan lang talaga dumaan sa tamang proseso (It just needs to undergo the right process),” he said. 

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