TACLOBAN City - A fake dentist was caught in flagrante delicto while installing braces on a poseur patient on Wednesday inside his residence in this city.
P/Maj. Duane Francis Ducducan, Criminal Investigation and Detection Group-Leyte Provincial Head, identified the suspect as Romnick Macariola, 28 years old, and a resident of Brgy. 74, Bliss 3 Lower, Nulatula here.
Ducducan said an entrapment operation was conducted together with the Tacloban City Police Office against the suspect who was reportedly practicing dentistry illegally.
The operation stemmed from the complaint of the Philippine Dental Association- Leyte Dental Chapter on the rampant illegal practice of dentistry by unqualified individuals, including the suspect.
Also seized from the suspect were retainers, cast, boodle money, shoe glue, and other medical and dental equipment.
Ducducan said Macariola will be charged for Violation of Republic Act 9484, the “Philippine Dental Act of 2007,” which punishes the illegal practice of dentistry, dental hygiene, or dental technology.
The suspect may face a fine of not less than P200,000 or more than P500,000, or suffer imprisonment for two to five years, or both.