Teen nabbed for selling infant for P50,000

National

AUTHORITIES have arrested a teenage mother accused of attempting to sell her own baby for P50,000, a shocking case that has drawn widespread attention and outrage.

The teen, whose identity has not been publicly released due to her age, was apprehended after police received a tip about the alleged transaction. Investigators said she had arranged to hand over the child in exchange for money, raising serious concerns about child welfare and trafficking.

Officials confirmed that the baby has been placed under protective custody while authorities conduct a thorough investigation.

Social workers are providing immediate care and support for the infant to ensure safety and well-being.

Law enforcement authorities said the teenager will face charges under laws prohibiting human trafficking, child exploitation, and illegal adoption. Investigators are also looking into potential accomplices who may have facilitated the transaction.

The case has prompted calls from child protection advocates for stricter measures to prevent similar incidents and to address underlying social and economic pressures that may drive minors into such desperate acts.

Police emphasized that the public should report any suspicious activity related to child exploitation and reminded communities that selling or buying infants is a serious criminal offense punishable under Philippine law.

The Philippine National Police (PNP) reported that cases of individuals caught offering babies online increased last year.

Brig. Gen. Maria Sheila Portento, chief of the PNP Women and Children’s Protection Center said that in 2025, eight people were apprehended for selling babies online, up from five in 2024, a report by Inquirer.net said.(Victoria Diana, USJ-R Comm Intern)