MANILA — On Tuesday, authorities in Quezon City rescued a month-old baby boy whose mother allegedly attempted to sell him through an illegal online adoption scheme.

According to the Philippine National Police–Women and Children Protection Center, the rescue occurred as a result of Internet surveillance that directed agents to a post on the internet that offered the baby for adoption in exchange for money.

The 17-year-old mother of the infant first wanted P50,000 for the child, which was then raised to P55,000, according to the WCPC.

According to Police BGen, “Upon the validation ng team, nalaman na kahit nung buntis pa siya, pinaghahandaan niya nang ibenta ‘yung anak,” The WCPC’s acting chief is Maria Sheila Portento.

The minor mother told police that her family had rejected the child since she was still a juvenile after authorities launched an entrapment operation that resulted to her detention.

She claimed that the funds she was requesting were meant to cover her tuition so she could finish her studies.

Portento said, “‘Yung nanay is a minor, 17-year-old na batang babae. And then, ‘yung tatay naman nung sanggol, just turned 18. Dahil mga menor de edad ito, both parties itinakwil sila ng kanilang mga pamilya. So, hindi alam kung paano i-sustain ‘yung panganganak, ‘yung pag-alaga,”

Later, investigators found that the infant had already been offered for sale before the attempt in Quezon City.

According to the WCPC, the mother was apparently in contact with a possible adopter in Japan who had been providing them money before the rescue.

She added, “Nakakatakot na kung hindi namin nakuha ‘yung bata, kanino mapupunta,”

Charges under the Anti-Trafficking in Persons Act and the Special Protection of Children Against Abuse, Exploitation and Discrimination Act may be brought against the minor mother.

Concerned about the increasing frequency of similar situations, the WCPC said that they had saved 13 infants in the previous two years.

She urged on families and parents to provide guidance and support young people who are dealing with unplanned pregnancies.

The 17-year-old mother was given to the Quezon City Social Services Development Department (SSDD) for appropriate evaluation, intervention, psychological support, and potential diversion procedures after being placed into protective care as a Child in Conflict with the Law (CICL).

In order to guarantee his safety and long-term wellbeing, the rescued baby was also given to SSDD-Quezon City for prompt evaluation, care, and appropriate child placement.