The Department of Justice (DOJ) is working with the Office of the President to address the issue of illegal baby selling on social media. According to DOJ spokesman Mico Clavano, the President himself wants to intervene in this problem as he believes it hinders the progress of the Philippines.
Two individuals were recently arrested in Dasmariñas City, Cavite for selling a newborn baby for P90,000. This arrest was made following information from the National Authority for Child Care about a “black market” on social media where individuals seek to illegally adopt children.
The DOJ Cybercrime Division is collaborating with Meta, the company that owns Facebook, to dismantle the illegal online baby selling activities. Over 500 Facebook accounts allegedly involved in this illegal activity have been taken down by the agency.
Clavano stated that while progress has been made, more accounts engaged in this illegal trade need to be closed. He also warned potential buyers that they would also be held liable for qualified trafficking in persons if they engage in illegally purchasing babies online.
The public is encouraged to report any social media accounts involved in the illegal sale of babies, and the DOJ official urged Meta to implement more measures to protect children online.
