NATIONAL Authority for Child Care Undersecretary Janella Ejercito Estrada promised to continue their fight against child trafficking and illegal adoption.

Estrada made the assurance after the Department of Justice– Inter-Agency Council Against Trafficking, National Bureau of Investigation’s Anti-Human Trafficking Division in coordination with the Department of Social Welfare and Development rescued a six-day-old baby, and arrested a midwife allegedly involved in facilitating illegal online adoption in an entrapment operation held in Muntinlupa City.

The investigation, spearheaded by the NBI-AHTRAD, began when the DOJ-IACAT’s Cyber Tip Center flagged the suspect’s suspicious activity on Facebook.

The tip-off indicated that the suspect was allegedly selling a baby through a social media account under a different name.

Arrested was a 51-year-old midwife, who offered a six-day-old baby for P25,000.

She is charged for violating Republic Act 7610 or the Special Protection of Children Against Abuse, Exploitation, and Discrimination, and the RA 9208 or the Anti-Trafficking In Persons Act.

The rescued newborn was immediately handed over to the DSWD for proper care and protection.

“This arrest is a crucial step in our relentless fight against child trafficking, and illegal adoption. The NACC is to chair the newly-created DOJ-IACAT-Technical Working Group on Anti-Illegal Adoption,” Estrada said.

“We commend the NBI and all involved agencies for their swift and decisive action. The NACC remains committed to protecting the welfare of children and ensuring that those who exploit them are brought to justice. We urge the public to remain vigilant and report any suspicious activities to the authorities,” she added.

Estrada reiterated the commitment of the DSWD, NACC, DOJ through the NBI, and other partner agencies to combat child trafficking, illegal online adoption, and protect vulnerable children from potential exploitation.