QUEZON CITY – The National Authority for Child Care (NACC) called on social media giant Meta PH to immediately remove Facebook groups and user accounts involved in online child trafficking – particularly “online baby selling” –, child exploitation, and illegal adoption.
“We call on social media intermediaries, particularly Meta PH, to totally ban groups and accounts being used as a platform to facilitate child trafficking – particularly “online baby selling” –, illegal adoption, and child exploitation,” she said.
“Meta PH and other social media platforms cannot evade accountability by claiming they do not officially operate within the Philippines,” stressed Usec. Estrada.
“They are in fact liable under R.A. 11862, or the ”Expanded Anti-Trafficking in Persons Act of 2022,” “to knowingly or by gross negligence allow their internet infrastructure to be used for the purpose of promoting trafficking in persons,” she explained.
“More so that social media platforms have a moral obligation to self-regulate. Their responsibility extends to ensuring their services are not used for criminal activity – especially for vulnerable children,” Estrada explained.
The call was made after an entrapment and rescue operation by the Philippine National Police – Women and Children Protection Center (PNP-WCPC) rescued four (4) children in San Pedro City, Laguna, on Thursday, February 26, 2026.
Authorities arrested two (2) individuals, forty-three and thirty-four years old, who are common-law-partners who attempted to sell a five-day old female infant for Thirty-Five Thousand Pesos (P35,000).
Three (3) other children ages 2, 11 and 12, in their custody were deemed at risk were also rescued.
Initial investigation reveals that the couple was also trying to sell the two-year old female child. Ongoing investigation is ongoing to determine their parental relations to all children.
NACC Undersecretary Janella Ejercito said that the two (2) children whom the couple attempted to sell are now safe and that a permanency plan is being determined.
The suspects may face charges in violation of Republic Act No. 9208, as amended by Republic Act No. 10364 and Republic Act No. 11862, or the Expanded Anti-Trafficking in Persons Act of 2022, as well as Republic Act No. 7610, or the Special Protection of Children Against Abuse, Exploitation and Discrimination Act.
The NACC continues to work closely with law enforcement agencies and partners to combat online child trafficking, child exploitation, and illegal adoption to ensure that every child is protected and given the opportunity to grow in a safe, loving, and permanent family.
