The Department of Social Welfare and Development, through the National Authority for Child Care, has intensified its campaign against illegal adoption and the online selling of babies.
Assistant Secretary Rowena Macalintal of the NACC’s Operations and Services said there is no reason for parents to sell their children because government assistance is available.
She said the crackdown follows the directive of President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. to DSWD Secretary Rex Gatchalian to step up efforts against illegal adoption and child trafficking.
“There is no need to sell a child because our government already has help. It is forbidden to sell a child. Online adoption is also prohibited,” Macalintal said.
Macalintal urged parents in crisis to approach the DSWD for lawful assistance instead of resorting to illegal schemes that endanger children and carry severe criminal penalties.
The warning came after the Philippine National Police – Women and Children Protection Center (PNP-WCPC) rescued two infants who were being sold by their own mothers or through intermediaries.
The NACC said it works closely with the PNP and the National Bureau of Investigation to track and arrest individuals involved in illegal adoption and online baby-selling.
It also coordinates with the PNP Anti-Cybercrime Group to monitor digital platforms such as Facebook where unlawful transactions involving minors are arranged.
Authorities conducted five entrapment operations in 2024 and eight in 2025 in coordination with the NACC.
In the first quarter of 2026 alone, seven entrapment operations have already been carried out, signaling a rise in reported incidents.
From 20 successful entrapment operations, 22 minors were rescued and 32 suspects arrested. In most cases, the biological parents were involved.
“Fortunately, we also have a successful conviction for qualified trafficking which carries a penalty of 20 years to life imprisonment and a fine of P2 million up to P5 million,” Macalintal said.
The NACC said those who genuinely want to adopt should go through legal channels under Republic Act No. 11642, which streamlined adoption into an administrative process handled directly by the agency.
Under the law, prospective adoptive parents are not required to pay processing fees to the NACC or its Regional Alternative Child Care Offices. They only need to comply with documentary requirements such as NBI and police clearances.
The agency reiterated that selling a child is a criminal offense punishable by long-term imprisonment and heavy fines, and that online adoption arrangements are illegal.
