PNP identifies at least one person allegedly engaged in selling COVID vaccines, vaccination slots
The Philippine National Police (PNP) has identified at least one person as involved in the alleged selling of coronavirus disease (COVID-19) vaccine and vaccination slot in Metro Manila.
PNP chief Gen. Guillermo Lorenzo T. Eleazar said the suspect was identified as one of his alleged supposed clients cooperated with the investigators of the Criminal Investigation and Detection Group (CIDG) and the PNP-Anti-Cyber Crime Group by revealing the details of the negotiations.
"Based on the initial result of the investigation, we have already identified at least one person who offered his high school friend two brands of vaccines for a price ranging from P12,000 to P15,500 through a social media messaging app," said Eleazar in a statement released on Monday, May 24.
"The same person has been claiming that he has contacts in San Juan and Mandaluyong LGUs (Local Government Units), the reason why he could easily get vaccines and even guarantee slots for the vaccination, and even presented deposit slips as proof of his previous ‘transactions’," he added.
On May 21, Interior Secretary Eduardo Año directed the PNP to look into the report of the alleged selling of vaccines and vaccination slots based on a Twitter post regarding the alleged transactions.
Eleazar said that the person identified by investigators has already deactivated his social media accounts which is allegedly being used in the illegal transactions.
"Our CIDG and ACG investigators are now zeroing in on this person, although he has already deactivated all his social media accounts, and we assure the public that he will face the full force of the law for this kind of illegal activity," said Eleazar.
"Meanwhile, we appeal to our kababayan to report to your PNP, through our e-sumbong, any illegal transactions relating to the sale of vaccines and vaccination slots in your respective areas. We assure you of our quick response," he added.
Eleazar reiterated that it is illegal to sell COVID-19 vaccines and that the vaccination is for free. But he said the government is following a priority list based on the recommendations by health experts.
The vaccination of essential workers and indigent Filipinos are expected to start next month.
"Your PNP would like to reiterate that the COVID-19 vaccination is free and any attempt to engage in selling the vaccines or vaccination slots, or be beneficiaries of these illegal activities, will only put you in trouble. Let us work together to put a stop to these criminal practices which are plainly and simply evil and despicable, especially in this time of pandemic," said Eleazar.