Metro Manila (CNN Philippines, June 5) — Authorities have arrested three Chinese nationals during a raid in a warehouse in Pampanga, which was allegedly used to provide supplies to two clandestine clinics believed to be treating suspected COVID-19 patients.
“Information disclosed that the said warehouse was the supplier and source of the makeshift medical facilities that were raided by authorities weeks ago at Brgy. Anunas, Angeles City and Fontana, Clark, Mabalacat City,” the National Bureau of Investigation said in a statement on Friday.
The warehouse stored Chinese medicine as well as food and cosmetic products, NBI said.
The bureau identified those arrested as Zidong Guo, Chen Weiming and Hong Qiao Ling — all Chinese nationals.
All three foreigners are currently being held at an NBI facility while waiting for their inquest proceedings with the Office of the City Prosecutor in Mabalacat City for violations of The Medical Act of 1959 and The Food, Drug and Cosmetic Act and The Food and Drug Administration Act of 2009, the bureau said.
NBI added the authorities found out the said products were being sold in two establishments in Pampanga. The stores were ordered closed pending an investigation by the FDA and local officials. NBI reported seizing about P20-million worth of items from the establishments.
“The permits of the said stores were still being validated from the FDA and from the local government of Mabalacat City,” the bureau said.
