QUEZON CITY – A 19-year-old mother was arrested on January 8, 2026, for allegedly attempting to sell her one-month-old baby girl for P55,000 through social media, police reported. The suspect, identified only as “Alias Jessa,” posted the offer on Facebook, claiming financial hardship as the reason.
The arrest followed a tip-off to the Quezon City Police District (QCPD) Women and Children Protection Desk. Posing as buyers, operatives arranged a meet-up in Barangay Holy Spirit, where Jessa handed over the infant in exchange for marked money. She was apprehended on the spot.
QCPD Director Brig. Gen. Redrico Maranan confirmed the baby is now under the custody of the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) for protection and medical care. The child appeared healthy but will undergo evaluation.
The suspect faces charges under RA 7610 (Child Abuse Law) and RA 9208 (Anti-Trafficking in Persons Act), with potential penalties including life imprisonment. Police are investigating possible accomplices or a larger trafficking network.
The case highlights rising concerns over online child trafficking amid economic pressures.
Case Snapshot:
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Suspect | 19-year-old mother (“Alias Jessa”) |
| Child | 1-month-old girl |
| Price Offered | P55,000 |
| Location | Barangay Holy Spirit, Quezon City |
| Date of Arrest | January 8, 2026 |
| Charges | RA 7610 & RA 9208 (child abuse/trafficking) |
Heartbreaking incident—authorities urge reporting suspicious online posts to protect vulnerable children.