Manila: The Philippine National Police - Women and Children's Protection Center (PNP-WCPC) has taken significant legal action by filing 19 cases against 30 individuals involved in illegal adoption or online child selling since 2024.
According to Philippines News Agency, the cases were systematically filed with five in 2024, eight in 2025, and six in the current year, as reported by PNP-WCPC chief Brig. Gen. Maria Sheila Portento during a press briefing at Camp Crame.
One suspect faced conviction in 2024 for human trafficking and violations under Republic Act 7610, known as the "Special Protection of Children Against Abuse, Exploitation and Discrimination Act." The PNP-WCPC conducted 19 operations from 2024 to February 7, 2026, resulting in the arrest of 30 individuals and the rescue of 21 victims. Portento emphasized that these figures exclude cases occurring outside online platforms.
Portento noted the increasing prevalence of child selling facilitated by the accessibility of online platforms. She highlighted the PNP-WCPC's diligent investigations to uncover potentially hidden cases. Portento also mentioned efforts to educate the community about the simplified adoption process under the National Authority for Child Care, making it easier than the previous lengthy court procedures.
