PHILIPPINES STING OPERATION BUSTS BLACK MARKET ABORTUARY

MANILA, April 14, 2003 (LifeSiteNews.com) – Authorities in the Philippines have arrested six suspected abortionists and two middlemen who were part of an illegal abortion racket, in a remarkable entrapment operation at a clandestine clinic in Obando, Bulacan.  Chief Supt. Eduardo Matillano, director of the National Police Criminal Investigation and Detection Group (CIGD), named the suspected abortionists—six females and two female middlemen—arrested by agents of the CIDG’s Women and Children’s Concern Division at their hideout, a rented apartment that doubled as a black market abortuary.  An eight-man CIDG squad engaged the help of a two-month-pregnant wife of a policeman in a sting operation after a week of surveillance, busting the suspects red-handed performing the set-up abortion. Matillano said the suspects were charging P 6,000 per operation. They were charged with violation of Article 256 (intentional abortion) of the Revised Penal Code, which provides 8 to 12 years imprisonment for an abortion. Pro-lifers are striving to have abortion declared a “heinous” crime, which would entail heavier penalties.  Ironically, Obando is the scene of historic fertility rites integrated into Christianity by early missionaries, and now invoking Santa Clara, San Pascual, and the Virhen de Salambao. Every year childless couples, thankful parents, grateful farmers and fishermen dance along the streets in colorful costumes to pray for children and a good harvest.  For local coverage:  https://www.abs-cbnnews.com/abs_news_body.asp?section=Provincial&oid=20579