PNP going all out vs fake medicines

The Philippine National Police (PNP) yesterday assured the public that it will not let its defenses down against those involved in the proliferation of fake medicines after President Duterte ordered a crackdown on individuals involved in the illegal trade.

Chief Superintendent John Bulalacao, PNP spokesperson, said the national police force will ‘exert extra efforts to arrest fake medicine peddlers as this endangers public health.’

“The order of the President to arrest persons involved in the proliferation of fake medicines is prudent as it will give justice to those who would fall victims to this nefarious activity by unscrupulous individuals,” Bulalacao said.

“Our people are not only deprived of getting healed but are at risk of death due to exposure to fake drugs,” he added.

Bulalacao issued the statement in response to Duterte’s order to arrest persons who are involved in the manufacture, importation, trade, administering, dispensing, delivering, distributing of counterfeit drugs.

According to Chief Presidential Legal Counsel Salvader Panelo, Duterte also said those who will be arrested shall be charged with economic sabotage as counterfeit medicines could affect the commodity’s supply and demand, which could lead to the disruption of the stability of its prices.

As such, Bulalacao said that such cruel act among fake drug peddlers “deserves to be punished with the full force of the law.”

Violation of such is punishable under the Republic Act 9711 or the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) Act of 2009 as well as Republic Act 8203 or the Special Law on Counterfeit Drugs.