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Manila Bulletin devider Philippines devider National devider PNP, FDA map plans to run after fake, unlicensed COVID-19 vaccines

PNP, FDA map plans to run after fake, unlicensed COVID-19 vaccines

Published Dec 29, 2020 03:38 pm

While some soldiers and government officials have already been vaccinated, the Philippine National Police (PNP) has strengthened its support for the Food and Drugs Administration (FDA) in running after vaccines for the Corona Virus Disease (COVID-19) being illegally sold in the country.

(Joe Raedle/Getty Images/AFP/MANILA BULLETIN)

PNP chief Gen. Debold Sinas said he and some police officers will meet again with FDA officials to come up with operational plan against the spread of both the fake vaccines and real vaccines that are being sold in the black market.

“We are worried that these so-called vaccines could be fake. So we are talking with the FDA so that we could finalize the plan against this,” said Sinas.

On Sunday, President Duterte disclosed that several soldiers have already been inoculated with the COVID-19 vaccine. The military initially denied having information about it but later admitted that those who were given vaccines are members of the Presidential Security Group (PSG).

The President’s revelation sparked outrage in the social media where netizens pointed out favoritism and illegal vaccination since no vaccine on COVID-19 has so far been approved by the FDA for use in the country.

There were also reports in the past that vaccines, especially coming from China, were already being sold illegally in the country. The PNP leadership earlier tapped the Criminal Investigation and Detection Group to monitor the report.

Sinas also included the Anti-Cybercrime Group in running after fake vaccines and COVID vaccines being sold in the black market as these could also being offered online.

“We are already monitoring it but we have been in constant coordination with the FDA on this,” said Sinas. 

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