Article by:
Ma. Teresa Montemayor
MANILA – The Council for the Welfare of Children (CWC) on Wednesday expressed full support for the National Authority for Child Care (NACC) and the Philippine National Police–Women and Children Protection Center (PNP-WCPC) in the campaign against baby selling and other forms of child trafficking.
In a press statement, the CWC cited the recent rescue of two infants by the PNP-WCPC Luzon Field Unit in separate entrapment and rescue operations conducted on Feb. 4 in Pampanga and Bulacan.
Four suspects were arrested for allegedly attempting to sell the infants for PHP30,000 and PHP130,000.
Authorities said the sale of a child constitutes child trafficking, which is strictly prohibited under Section 4(k) of Republic Act (RA) 9208, or the “Anti-Trafficking in Persons Act,” as amended by RA 11862.
The offense carries a penalty of up to 20 years imprisonment and a fine ranging from PHP1 million to PHP2 million.
CWC Executive Director Undersecretary Angelo Tapales strongly condemned any form of child selling and exploitation.
“Walang puwang sa ating lipunan ang pagbebenta ng bata at anumang anyo ng child trafficking. Ang bawat bata ay may karapatan sa proteksyon, pagkalinga, at isang ligtas na kapaligiran (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),” he said.
He added that the CWC will remain steadfast in working with law enforcement agencies and child protection partners to ensure that cases are acted upon promptly, perpetrators are held accountable, and victims are provided with adequate protection and social services.
Tapales also said the CWC will further strengthen coordination with national government agencies and local government units to intensify monitoring, prevention efforts and public awareness campaigns against illegal adoption and child trafficking.
For her part, PNP-WCPC director Brig. Gen. Maria Shiela Portento emphasized that any form of exploitation of children, including baby selling and illegal adoption, is unacceptable.
She said the PNP-WCPC will sustain and intensify its operations and inter-agency collaboration to safeguard the rights and welfare of women and children.
The CWC urged the public to report incidents of child abuse or violence through the 24/7 MAKABATA Helpline 1383.
Reports and consultations may be made by calling 1383; Smart: 0919-354-1383; Globe: 0915-802-2375; through the Makabata Helpline 1383 Facebook and Instagram pages; or via the e-Gov Super App of the Department of Information and Communications Technology by clicking “Child Abuse.” (PNA)
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