A heartbreaking discovery by a grandmother in Taguig City has unraveled an alleged human trafficking ring involving newborn twins who were reportedly sold online through social media.
According to Southern Police District (SPD) Director Police Brigadier General Rodel Pastor, the alleged transaction took place in August, though the grandmother only uncovered the grim truth in October.
The grandmother revealed that her 24-year-old daughter may have been suffering from postpartum depression.
She stated that she never imagined an argument between them on August 10 would culminate in the alleged sale of her newborn grandchildren.
Investigators disclosed that the buyer sent ₱27,000 via an e-wallet app and handed an additional ₱3,000 in cash directly to the mother.
Police Pursuit and Rescue Operations
Acting on the case, authorities secured a digital data warrant that traced a primary suspect to Barangay 2 in San Luis, Aurora province.
On October 19, police raided the location and successfully rescued two other children—a 10-year-old and a six-month-old—though the newborn twins had already been moved.
The 32-year-old suspect was immediately arrested after failing to provide proof or a credible explanation regarding his parenthood of the rescued children.
During interrogation, she pointed authorities toward live-in partners in Pampaga, who had allegedly purchased the twins.
Through a joint operation between the Taguig City Police Women and Children Protection Desk and the Candaba Municipal Police Station, law enforcement successfully tracked down and recovered the twins from the LGBTQ couple on October 25.
Ongoing Investigation and Welfare Support
The newborn twins are currently under the protective custody of the Taguig City Social Welfare and Development Office (CSWDO).
Social workers and authorities are conducting assessments to determine whether it is safe and appropriate to eventually return the infants to the care of their grandmother.
Brigadier General Pastor commended the operating units for the swift recovery of the children.
He noted that the investigation remains active as authorities suspect a larger syndicate may be operating behind the scenes.
Furthermore, police officials credited the successful multi-jurisdictional operation to the newly launched “TIMPUYOG” program, an initiative designed to enhance borderless law enforcement cooperation across various police units, security forces, and government agencies.