Cops probe 'for sale' babies bound for Singapore

Cops probe 'for sale' babies bound for Singapore

abs-cbnNEWS.com | 12/16/2008 8:25 PM
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Authorities are now investigating a Singaporean national alleged to be a member of a syndicate involved in selling babies in Singapore.

“Mayroon kasing mga allegations. On going pa rin na iniimbistigahan namin. Inaalagaan ang mga bata dito at dinadala sa Singapore,” said Rizal Provincial Director Senior Superintendent Ireneo Dordas.

Nine babies were rescued from the rented house of the suspected human trafficker Low Ai Lian Irene in Poblacion, Jala-Jala, Rizal province. The house is owned by former Jala-jala Mayor Voltaire Gellido.

The alleged illegal operation was discovered when authorities served a warrant of arrest for estafa case against Gellido.

Gellido admitted that his tenant is involved in sending babies to Singapore for adoption. However, he was allegedly told that the operation is legal.

“Nagpo-produce ng mga supposed to be biological mother, foster mother, fake documents tapos dinadala nila ng Singapore,” Gellido said.

The Singaporean national insisted that all of their adoption papers are in order.

"My client has been coordinating with the DSWD (Department of Social Welfare and Development) for a long time. She was made to believe that everything is in order,” said her lawyer Hercules Macabughos.

However, the DSWD maintained that the Singaporean national did not secure any permission from the department.

"Yun po ang hinahanap namin, kung may ligalidad na po ang pago-operate. Dapat po ay informed kami na nago-operate sila dito para if ever na may mga referrals pwede naming ibigay sa kanila,” said Gervie Rivera, of the DSWD in Jala-jala.

The babies were transferred to the care of DSWD workers while the Bureau of Immigration is also investigating the Singaporean national. -- Report from Gus Abelgas, TV Patrol World