MANILA — The Department of Justice (DOJ) has taken decisive action against a criminal syndicate involved in the online sale of babies. In a five-page resolution, the DOJ Task Force on Women and Children and Against Trafficking in Persons filed qualified trafficking and child exploitation charges against Arjay Malabanan and Ma. Chariza Dizon before the Manila Regional Trial Court.

The charges stem from a complaint filed by the Philippine National Police-Women and Children Protection Center (PNP-WCPC) based on information provided by the National Authority for Child Care. The complaint highlighted the existence of a “black market” within social media groups and communities where prospective parents seek to illegally adopt children.

An entrapment operation conducted by the PNP-WCPC at Immaculate Conception Church in Dasmariñas City, Cavite, led to the arrest of “Kuy’s Jay,” later identified as Malabanan. He had offered to sell a newborn for PHP90,000 to undercover law enforcement officers. Malabanan, a Bacoor resident, also worked for the Dasmariñas local government. Dizon, a Tondo resident, is the mother of the rescued 8-day-old male infant.

The DOJ resolution provides compelling evidence, establishing the crime of qualified trafficking. It reveals that the suspects facilitated the adoption of the newborn for illegal purposes, with the transaction conducted through Facebook Messenger. The victim, in this case, is a child, and the act of trafficking involved the use of ICT (information and communication technology).

DOJ Secretary Jesus Crispin Remulla emphasized the importance of justice in protecting society’s most precious treasures—children. He called on everyone to be defenders of this vulnerable sector and to prevent any form of exploitation.