ILOILO – The National Authority for Child Care – Regional Alternative Child Care Office (NACC-RACCO) is intensifying its campaign against illegal adoption following reports of baby selling cases in Western Visayas — transactions allegedly carried out through social media platforms during the COVID-19 pandemic.
During the recent Adoption and Alternative Child Care Week, RACCO-6 officer-in-charge Janice Brasileño revealed that three infants are now under foster care after being rescued from attempted trafficking schemes.
The perpetrators allegedly used Facebook groups to lure childless couples and presented themselves as professionals capable of facilitating swift — yet illegal — adoptions.
“These children are now considered trafficking victims,” said Brasileño. “Two of the cases involved entrapment operations and are already under the jurisdiction of the Department of Justice.”
One case even involved a midwife who was arrested and charged.
According to Brasileño, the perpetrators privately messaged couples expressing their desire to adopt, and offered to expedite the process for a fee.
“What’s alarming is the ease — one post, and these illegal facilitators message directly. It’s become disturbingly normalized online,” she added.
The agency reiterated that there is no need to resort to underground networks, as legal adoption is now more accessible under Republic Act No. 11642, or the Domestic Administrative Adoption and Alternative Child Care Act which streamlines the entire process and removes costly judicial hurdles.
“In just three years of transition, we’ve received 123 legal adoption petitions—almost half of which have already been granted,” Brasileño said, noting the administrative process is significantly faster and more affordable than traditional judicial routes.
Families no longer have to pay legal acceptance fees or endure lengthy court hearings. Two appearances with RACCO are often enough, said Brasileño.
To combat illegal adoption and prevent future cases of baby selling, RACCO-6 is expanding its public awareness efforts, including educational sessions with midwives, medical social workers, and other healthcare providers.
The agency is also urging the public to report suspicious adoption offers online.
“This is not just about legality — it’s about protecting children from being treated as commodities,” Brasileño emphasized. “We need the public’s help. Don’t fall for quick fixes. Talk to your LGU social worker or contact our office. Legal adoption is within reach and done in the best interest of the child.”
The Adoption and Alternative Child Care Week, observed every second week of June, carried the theme “Hope and Home for Every Child” this year. It reinforces the national commitment to place vulnerable children in nurturing and lawful family environments./PN
