MANILA — The Council for the Welfare of Children (CWC) on Wednesday expressed full support for the National Authority for Child Care (NACC) and the Philippine National Police–Women and Children Protection Center (PNP-WCPC) in combating baby selling and other forms of child trafficking.

In a press statement, the CWC highlighted the recent rescue of two infants by the PNP-WCPC Luzon Field Unit during separate operations on Feb. 4 in Pampanga and Bulacan. Four suspects were arrested for allegedly attempting to sell the infants for PHP30,000 and PHP130,000.

Authorities noted that selling a child constitutes child trafficking, a violation of Section 4(k) of Republic Act (RA) 9208, as amended by RA 11862, which carries penalties of up to 20 years imprisonment and fines of PHP1 million to PHP2 million.

CWC Executive Director Undersecretary Angelo Tapales condemned all forms of child exploitation.

“Walang puwang sa ating lipunan ang pagbebenta ng bata at anumang anyo ng child trafficking. Ang bawat bata ay may karapatan sa proteksyon, pagkalinga, at isang ligtas na kapaligiran (There is no place in our society for the selling of children and any form of child trafficking. Every child has the right to protection, care and a safe environment),” Tapales said.

He added that the council will continue coordinating with law enforcement agencies and child protection partners to ensure perpetrators are held accountable and victims receive adequate protection and social services.

PNP-WCPC director Brig. Gen. Maria Shiela Portento said any form of exploitation, including baby selling and illegal adoption, is unacceptable. She vowed to sustain and intensify operations and inter-agency collaboration to safeguard the rights and welfare of women and children.

The CWC urged the public to report incidents of child abuse or violence through the 24/7 MAKABATA Helpline 1383 via phone, social media, or the e-Gov Super App.