PNP intensifies crackdown on online baby-selling

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February 12, 2026 | 12:00am

MANILA, Philippines — Amid the spike in cases of baby-selling, the Philippine National Police (PNP) has intensified its crackdown on crime rings involved in the sale of children through social media platforms.

PNP chief Gen. Jose Melencio Nartatez Jr. said yesterday they are targeting not only local groups, but also international drug rings suspected of orchestrating human trafficking schemes.

Specialized police units have been mobilized to dismantle the networks involved in online baby-selling.

Data from the police Women and Children Protection Center (WCPC) showed that infants were rescued during anti-trafficking operations conducted from Feb. 2 to 4.

Some of the infants were sold for as low as P10,000, according to the WCPC.

“This is an alarming racket that needs to be stopped for it degrades the sanctity of human life,” Nartatez said.

He said the PNP would file criminal cases against social media platforms that fail to take action against the sale of babies on digital platforms.