Justice Secretary Menardo I. Guevarra on Monday, July 12, said the National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) is ready to provide assistance in the probe on the reported missing coronavirus disease (COVID-19) vaccines which were allegedly brought to a private house in Northern Samar.
“The NBI has a standing order from the DOJ (Department of Justice) to investigate the sale or administration of COVID-19 vaccines outside the authorized channels of distribution,” he said.
“It will be ready to assist the PNP (Philippine National Police) and the provincial board of Northern Samar in any investigation of the subject incident,” he added.
Guevarra made the assurance after learning that the provincial government of Northern Samar has begun investigating on the incident.
Reports stated that the Northern Samar Provincial Board has already begun an inquiry on the issue, while Northern Samar Gov. Edwin Marino C. Ongchuan has reportedly created an investigating committee.
Published reports stated that 15 doses of Sinovac vaccines were taken last June 10 from the Northern Samar Provincial Hospital (NSPH) and brought to a private house in Catarman.
Last May, Guevarra directed the NBI to investigate reports of illegal sale of COVID-19 vaccines and vaccination slots.
Last June 30, the NBI’s Task Force Against Illegal Drugs (NBI-TFAID) arrested three persons in Quezon City for selling 300 doses of Sinovac vaccines for P840,000.
Arrested were Harjit Kour Gonzales Singh, Calvin Maximilian Yeung Roca, and Alexis Franco De Guzman who were charged, thereafter, with violations of Republic Act No. 9711, the Food and Drug Administration Act.