Cebu City couple charged with selling newborn for money

A couple in Cebu City is facing human trafficking charges after allegedly selling their newborn baby for 100,000 pesos, about $1,800. The police recently uncovered this case when a concerned citizen overheard the couple’s child mentioning that their baby sister was sold to buy a new phone. Authorities have launched an investigation into the couple's actions and are preparing to file charges against them. Police Lieutenant Colonel Maria Theresa Macatangay said they may also take action against the buyer and the middleman who facilitated the sale. The mother of the newborn, who has eight children, reportedly sold her seventh child previously due to financial difficulties. After a social media post alerted the City Social Welfare and Services (CSWS), an operation led by police confirmed the sale. When officers arrived at the couple's home, they found them gambling, leading to their arrest. The baby was rescued shortly after the arrest. Investigators learned that the infant was sold on March 6, just after her mother was discharged from the hospital following the birth on February 20. The parents reportedly used the money from the sale to pay hospital bills. Both parents are now in custody, and the rescued baby, along with her siblings, is under the care of the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD). Police are also looking into whether the buyer committed illegal actions to alter the baby's birth record. Authorities are urging the public to report any suspected infant sales. They encourage individuals seeking to adopt to follow legal channels. Cebu City is taking steps to combat human trafficking and online exploitation more aggressively following this case.