Metro Manila (CNN Philippines, April 14) — Nine people were arrested in Quezon City on Tuesday for illegally selling COVID-19 test kits, police said.
A Philippine National Police statement identified those arrested in the entrapment operation at Barangay South Triangle as:
– Marize Santiago y Hariz
– Joshua Raphael Bautista Ramirez
– Zeus Catamora Jimena
– John Vincent Almante Sumalabe
– Rio Joyce Mingay Perando
– Hermogenes Rivero Villordon
– Jomari Pareja Estrada
– John Marthy De Jesus Parentela
– John Paolo Solibaga San Pedro
It said the operation stemmed from reports that various unproven and illegally marketed medical devices were being sold online, including Joinstar, clungene rapid test kit, innovita anti body test, sanli disposable virus specimen and wondfo rapid test kit.
The operation was conducted after those arrested received payment from undercover police who ordered 30 boxes of test kits containing 20 sets of Clungene Rapid Test Kit which cost ₱204,000, the statement added.
Seized from the suspects were money and other test kits with an estimated market value of ₱30 million. The PNP said the suspects were unable to show their license to operate or special permit to sell and distribute the test kits.
Those arrested were brought to the Quezon City District Field Unit for documentation and the filing of cases related to the prohibition of selling of FDA certified COVID-19 antibody test kits.
CNN Philippines is trying to get the comment of those arrested or their lawyer.
