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Manila Bulletin devider Philippines devider Metro Manila devider Parents sell their 12-day-old child for P27,500 street food cart capital

Parents sell their 12-day-old child for P27,500 street food cart capital

Published Feb 3, 2026 02:06 pm
The 12-day-old baby girl who was sold by her own parents in exchange for a food business startup capital. (Photo from PNP-WCPC.)
The 12-day-old baby girl who was sold by her own parents in exchange for a food business startup capital. (Photo from PNP-WCPC.)
SAN JOSE DEL MONTE, BULACAN – A 12-day-old baby girl was successfully rescued after being sold by her own parents for a business startup capital 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, at a prominent mall in the city.
The infant’s parents were arrested after accepting the buy-bust money amounting to P27,500.
Investigations revealed 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 fish balls.
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, adding that 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 parents 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.
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.
The operation underscored 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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