THE National Authority for Child Care (NACC) reported on Wednesday that a police entrapment operation resulted in the arrest of a couple and the rescue of a 12-day-old infant, whom they allegedly tried to sell inside a shopping mall in the City of San Jose del Monte, Bulacan.
NACC Executive Director Janella Ejercito Estrada hailed the quick action of the operatives of the Philippine National Police-Women and Children Protection Center (PNP-WCPC) for the rescue of the infant in an operation on Feb. 2, 2026.
Estrada told The Manila Times that the infant’s parents were held after accepting the buy-bust money amounting to P27,500.
An initial police investigation revealed that the couple allegedly intended to use the amount as startup capital for a street food business selling “kwek-kwek” (deep-fried quail eggs) and fish balls.
She said the NACC coordinated with PNP-WCPC for the infant, following a 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 Estrada, a former San Juan City vice mayor and daughter of Sen. Jinggoy Estrada.
The NACC remains steadfast in upholding every child’s right to identity and to grow up in a safe, loving and permanent family, the NACC chief said.
“No individual or parent/s 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,” she added.
The NACC said that criminal charges in violation of the existing laws, particularly Republic Act 11862 or the Expanded Anti-Trafficking in Persons Act of 2022, and RA 7610 or the Special Protection of Children Against Abuse, Exploitation and Discrimination Act, for child abuse would be filed against the infant’s parents.
This successful operation underscores 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, it added.