Arrest bogus vaccine dealers, DILG tells PNP

The Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) has ordered the Philippine National Police (PNP) to be vigilant and arrest those selling or administering fake coronavirus vaccines.

With the country preparing for the arrival of Covid-19 vaccines from the World Health Organization’s COVAX facility, DILG Officer-in-Charge (OIC) and Undersecretary Bernardo C. Florece Jr. said the Department has received reports that fake vaccines are being circulated in the market as demand for vaccination increases.

He said that local government unit (LGU) and the PNP must be on top of the hunt and arrest illegal peddlers of fake Covid-19 vaccines.

“Some people are taking advantage of the pandemic to make money by selling fake vaccines. I am directing the PNP to arrest these criminals and ensure that these bogus vaccines are taken off the market,” he said.

Florece said that the PNP must work double time in making certain that no bogus coronavirus vaccines are sold to unsuspecting people. He said that all possible areas such as air and sea ports where illegal supplies of fake coronavirus vaccines may enter the country must be properly and strictly monitored by the PNP Aviation Security Group and Maritime Group.

He said that as part of PNP’s task to secure Covid-19 vaccines, they must also ensure that no fake vaccines are sold. “We will not be surprised if there are other fake vaccines floating around. That is why we expect strict monitoring from the PNP, in collaboration with local governments,” he said.

“We have already reminded the PNP and LGU of working together to secure vaccines but the two must also collaborate to ensure that fake vaccines are confiscated and those responsible must be arrested and charged,” he added.

He said the public must not buy these vaccines and immediately report to the PNP and their local government any suspected individuals who are selling them.

“Do not be fooled. Only the government will pass the legitimate vaccines and other than that you will report to those who sell and inject fake Covid-19 vaccines. ”

The National Task Force Covid-19 aims to inoculate first the healthcare sector’s 1.4 million individuals.

The DILG OIC also recently green lighted the arrest and prosecution of individuals faking the result of Reverse-Transcription-Polymerase Chain Reaction tests.