NBI nabs Facebook infant seller

MANILA – The National Bureau of Investigation-Human Trafficking Division (NBI-HTRAD) has arrested a woman in Muntinlupa City caught selling a baby online for P25,000.

NBI Director Jaime Santiago said on Thursday that the NBI has received information from the Department of Justice – Inter-Agency Council Against Trafficking – NBI CyberTip Center (DOJ-IACAT-NBI Cybertip) regarding a certain Christina Paule who was allegedly engaged in selling babies on Facebook.

The 51-year-old midwife allegedly tried to sell the days-old infant for P25,000 on the social media platorm

An entrapment and rescue operation by government operatives, with support from non-government organization Exodus Road Philippines, resulted in the arrest of Paule.

She was charged with violation of Child Trafficking under Republic Act 7610, as amended (Special Protection of Children Against Abuse, Exploitation, and Discrimination Act), in relation to RA 10175 (Cybercrime Prevention Act of 2012), and violation of RA 9208, as amended (Anti-Trafficking in Persons Act of 1998).

The rescued baby was turned over to the custody of the Department of Social Welfare and Development-National Capital Region.

National Authority for Child Care (NACC) Undersecretary Janella Ejercito Estrada lauded the government operation.

"This arrest is a crucial step in our relentless fight against child trafficking, and illegal adoption. The NACC is to chair the newly-created DOJ-IACAT-Technical Working Group on Anti-Illegal Adoption," she said.

"We commend the NBI and all involved agencies for their swift and decisive action. The NACC remains committed to protecting the welfare of children and ensuring that those who exploit them are brought to justice. We urge the public to remain vigilant and report any suspicious activities to the authorities," she added.

Estrada reiterated the commitment of the DSWD, NACC, DOJ, through the NBI, and other partner agencies to combat child trafficking, illegal online adoption, and protect vulnerable children from potential exploitation.

The NACC also provided a certification to the NBI which validated that the suspect did not undergo the legal adoption process before the agency. (PNA)