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Manila Bulletin devider Philippines devider Unmask protectors of underground hospital in Pampanga – solon

Unmask protectors of underground hospital in Pampanga – solon

Published May 21, 2020 12:00 am
By Ben Rosario A senior administration lawmaker on Thursday urged government probers to identify and charge protectors of the Chinese nationals who were arrested for illegally operating a “makeshift medical” facility, reportedly for foreigners infected with coronavirus disease (COVID-19), in San Fernando, Pampanga. 1PACMAN Partylist Rep. Eric Pineda (CONGRESS PHOTO) 1PACMAN Partylist Rep. Eric Pineda (CONGRESS PHOTO) 1Pacman Party-list Rep. Enrico Pineda said a thorough investigation of the arrested aliens is expected to lead investigators to the Filipino protectors of the group. The lawmaker noted that the Chinese nationals involved in the clandestine medical facility clearly have backers who gave them the assurance of protection from arrest by Philippine authorities. “All those who had a hand in this act should be held accountable and criminally liable,” said Pineda, chairman of the House Committee on Labor and Employment. Operatives of the PNP Criminal Investigation and Detection Group raided the makeshift clinic at the Fontana Leisure Park in San Fernando, Pampanga, on May 19. Probers said the medical facility is being suspected of catering to the medical needs of Chinese patients, particularly those infected with COVID-19. “If it is true, then not only there was a grave violation of the law, but also an utter disregard of the health and safety of the residents and people in the area,” Pineda said. “We do not know if for how long this illegal hospital had been operating. It may even be possible that the people with COVID19 were discharged without fully recovering. They might have spread the virus,” he warned. “Our country has been accommodating foreign nationals even in times of a pandemic, they should respect our laws and do their part in helping the government fight this virus,” the lawmaker added.
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