Complaints for estafa and violation of the Anti-Red Tape law and Cybercrime Prevention Act of 2012 were filed against Cyle Cedric Soriano Bonifacio, Melvin Polo Gutierrez, and Nina Ellaine Dizon-Cabrera on Monday, PNP chief Guillermo Eleazar said in a statement.
The PNP’s initial statement Wednesday morning mentioned only Bonifacio and Gutierrez. It later posted an updated statement in the afternoon which included Dizon-Cabrera in the list of people sued. The PNP clarified its Anti-Cybercrime Group found out that Dizon-Cabrera allegedly offered 50 to 100 vaccination slots in Mandaluyong City.
Metro Manila (CNN Philippines, June 9) — The Philippine National Police on Wednesday said it filed before the Mandaluyong City prosecutor’s office several complaints against three people in relation to the alleged sale of COVID-19 vaccination slots.
Bonifacio earlier surrendered after authorities launched a probe into the supposed vaccination slot for sale scheme. Bonifacio, in a press conference last month, said he is “confident” of his innocence, adding he only showed himself to the public to “put an end to the issue.”
Before the surrender, police were already tracking down Bonifacio after his name surfaced in a viral social media post, which claimed that vaccination slots in Mandaluyong were being sold for up to ₱15,000.
Meanwhile, Eleazar said Bonifacio claimed Gutierrez was involved in the alleged scheme.
“Noong sumuko itong si Bonifacio sa atin at nagbigay ng pahayag, pinangalanan niya si Gutierrez, isang fire at barangay volunteer, na umano’y tumulong sa kanya na makakuha ng vaccination slot sa Mandaluyong City,” Eleazar said.
[Translation: When Bonifacio surrendered to us, he gave a statement and named Gutierrez, a fire and barangay volunteer, who allegedly helped him get a vaccination slot in Mandaluyong City.]
COVID-19 vaccines are only approved for emergency use and cannot be sold commercially.
Dizon-Cabrera said she was “baffled” that she was also charged, asserting she was the one who first exposed the alleged scheme to the public on her Twitter account on May 21.
“As of writing, I have yet to receive anything from the complainant’s end, but I am already in communication with my lawyer regarding this matter,” Dizon-Cabrera said in a statement. “The truth, as always, shall prevail.”
Dizon-Cabrera is also known as the CEO of local makeup brand Colourette Cosmetics, and someone who is vocal with her criticisms against the government.
This is the original tweet where I exposed the said scam. I was the one who was offered, not the other way around. https://t.co/Mtd6WnMFe2
— Nina (@theninaellaine) June 9, 2021
