DILG to PNP: Arrest sellers of fake COVID-19 vaccines

CEBU, Philippines —  The Department of Interior and Local Government (DILG) issued a directive to the Philippine National Police (PNP) to be vigilant and arrest individuals selling or administering fake coronavirus vaccines.

The DILG made the directive after it received reports of fake vaccines circulating in the market as demand for vaccination increases.

“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,” said DILG officer-in-charge and Undersecretary Bernardo Florece, Jr.

Florece said LGUs and the PNP must be on top of the hunt and arrest illegal peddlers of fake COVID-19 vaccines.

“We must be cautious sapagkat ngayon nga ay mayroon nang kaso ng mga pekeng bakuna na mismong si Pasig City Mayor Vico Sotto ang nakadiskubre,” said Florece.

Sotto posted on social media a picture of fake Pfizer-BioNTech COVID-19 vaccines with a stern warning to the public not to purchase them.

The PNP is expected to work double time in assuring the public that no bogus coronavirus vaccines are sold.

Along with this, all possible areas including 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, among others, said Florece.

Florece said it is PNP’s task to secure COVID-19 vaccines, thus they must also ensure that no fake vaccines are sold.

“Hindi kami magugulat kung mayroon pang ibang lulutang na pekeng bakuna. Kaya mahigpit na pagbabantay ang ating inaasahan mula sa PNP, katuwang ang mga pamahalaang lokal,” he said.

The public has also been warned not to buy these vaccines and immediately report to the PNP and their respective local governments any suspected individuals who are selling them.

“Huwag po kayong magpapaloko. Tanging sa pamahalaan lamang po dadaan ang mga lehitimong bakuna at maliban dito ay i-report ninyo po ang mga nagbebenta at nagtuturok ng mga pekeng COVID-19 vaccines,” said Florece. — KQD (FREEMAN)