Manila: The Council for the Welfare of Children (CWC) has announced its full support for the National Authority for Child Care (NACC) and the Philippine National Police-Women and Children Protection Center (PNP-WCPC) in their ongoing campaigns against baby selling and various forms of child trafficking.
According to Philippines News Agency, the CWC highlighted a recent operation by the PNP-WCPC Luzon Field Unit that resulted in the rescue of two infants. These operations took place on February 4 in Pampanga and Bulacan, leading to the arrest of four suspects accused of attempting to sell the infants for PHP30,000 and PHP130,000. The sale of children is classified as child trafficking under Section 4(k) of Republic Act 9208, known as the 'Anti-Trafficking in Persons Act,' as amended by RA 11862. This crime carries severe penalties, including up to 20 years in prison and a fine between PHP1 million and PHP2 million.
CWC Executive Director Undersecretary Angelo Tapales condemned all forms of child selling and exploitation. He stated, "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 emphasized the CWC's commitment to collaborating with law enforcement and child protection groups to ensure swift action against offenders and provide victims with necessary protection and services.
Tapales further announced plans to strengthen coordination with national and local government units to enhance monitoring, preventive measures, and public awareness campaigns against illegal adoption and child trafficking. Brig. Gen. Maria Shiela Portento, director of PNP-WCPC, echoed these sentiments, asserting the unacceptability of any child exploitation, including baby selling and illegal adoption. She pledged the PNP-WCPC's continued efforts in operations and collaborations to protect the rights and welfare of women and children.
The CWC also called on the public to report child abuse or violence through the 24/7 MAKABATA Helpline 1383, available via phone, Facebook, Instagram, and the Department of Information and Communications Technology's e-Gov Super App by selecting 'Child Abuse.'
