Jeepney conductor sells son for P5,000

CEBU, Philippines - A 39-year-old jeepney conductor landed inside the police detention cell after he tried to sell his own son for P5,000 in barangay Lorega San Miguel.

Now detained at Cebu City Police Office is Rommel Galapa Bondoc, 39, a resident of Tres De Abril. He was arrested by barangay officials led by Lorega San Miguel captain Fritz Herrera following complaints received by two residents that the suspect was trying to sell his one-year-old son.

Responding barangay officials recovered the toddler from one of the residents and turnover him to the regional office of Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD).

“It’s fortunate nga nagpakabana ang atong mga molopyo ug ni-report dayon nga dunay tawo nga namaligya og bata kay nagtuo sila nga kinawat ang bata,” Herrera said.

The barangay chief said that Bondoc violated the provisions of the law on child abuse and trafficking against children.

“Suwerte nga naka-rescue ta og bata ug wa gyud madayon og baligya,” Herrera said.

In an interview, Bondoc admitted the accusations against him, saying he intended to use the money as fare in going to Manila where the mother of the boy is currently staying.

“Tinuod gyud na tanan pero naglibog lang gyud ko karon kay ang akong asawa nakigpuyo man ug lain mao nga gamiton unta nako ang kuwarta para ako’ng i-pleti paingon sa Manila,” he said.

Bondoc also asked for forgiveness from his live-in-partner Rhea Deluvio, his son’s mother, for what he had done.

Despite Bondoc’s plea, the Women and Children’s section of the CCPO is determined to file a criminal complaint against him before Cebu City Prosecutor’s Office. — Ramil V. Ayuman/WAB (THE FREEMAN)