Fetus toys raise alarm in Bulacan

Some of the controversial toys that depict fetuses that end up in the hands of children in Bulacan. CARMELA REYES-ESTROPE/INQUIRER CENTRAL LUZON

BULAKAN, Bulacan—Authorities are investigating the sale here of a “fetus toy,” which children buy from a local store.

Mayor Patrick Meneses on Friday said he ordered the police and town government personnel to look into the sale of the toy—a plastic fetus sealed with a jelly-like substance inside a canister—which is imported from China.

“Any depiction of a fetus should not be treated as a toy,” said the mayor. He said he ordered his men to investigate and remove the toys from stores.

The Inquirer talked to two 6-year-olds in Barangay (village) Cupang-San Nicolas, who bought the toy in a canister for P5 on Paliwas Street.

It was labeled “Crystal Slime,” marked “Made in China” and contained the instruction: “For 5 and up. Don’t swallow. Nontoxic.”

“Their parents should be alerted to these toys. Some parents are unaware of what their children are able to buy from the streets,” Meneses said.

He said the store that sold the toys is supplied by a businessman who deals in unusual items popular among children.—Carmela Reyes-Estrope