OPERATIVES of the National Bureau of Investigation’s Human Trafficking Division (NBI-HTRAD) have arrested an officer-in-charge of a Mandaluyong-based surrogacy clinic following allegations of human trafficking and illegal baby-selling.
The operation was executed pursuant to a warrant of arrest issued by Branch 52 of the Regional Trial Court (RTC) in Guagua, Pampanga.
The arrest warrant covers both the suspect and her husband, who serve as administrators of the surrogacy agency.
The legal action originated from a criminal complaint filed by a former surrogate mother against the agency.
According to the complaint, the firm recruited financially vulnerable women to act as surrogate mothers for prospective clients without fully disclosing or explaining the legal terms and conditions of their agreements.
Furthermore, the complainant alleged that the agency facilitated the transfer of newborns to adoptive parents in exchange for monetary consideration.
The suspect’s arrest was initiated after staff members of the public affairs program “Raffy Tulfo in Action” notified the NBI-HTRAD that the clinic executive intended to surrender voluntarily.
Acting on the tip, HTRAD operatives coordinated with the involved parties and located the suspect at a designated site in Mandaluyong City, where they formally served the arrest warrant and placed her in custody.
Following the operation, NBI officers read the suspect her constitutional rights before transporting her to the NBI office for formal booking, documentation, and proper legal disposition.
NBI Director Melvin A. Matibag reaffirmed the agency’s dedicated commitment to enforcing human trafficking laws, preventing the exploitation of vulnerable individuals, and maintaining due process throughout all criminal proceedings.
