Vietnamese, 11 Filipinos arrested in illegal beauty clinic in Cebu City
CEBU CITY – A Vietnamese national and 11 Filipino workers were arrested when law enforcers raided a beauty clinic, which allegedly performed unauthorized aesthetic procedures in Barangay Cogon-Central Ramos here on Saturday, July 19.
POLICE examine items seized from an illegal beauty clinic in Cebu City. (Contributed photo)
The beauty clinic in Centro Maximo Building on Jakosalem St. allegedly violated Republic Act (RA) 9711 or the FDA Act of 2009 and Republic Act 2382 or the Medical Act of 1959.
The entrapment operation was conducted by the Regional Special Operations Unit, headed by Police Lt. Col. Wilfredo Taran Jr., in coordination with the Regional Intelligence Unit 7 and City Mobile Force Company.
The operation was made after reports reached the Police Regional Office-Central Visayas (PRO-7) that the clinic was performing beauty enhancement procedures without the needed license.
A police asset was sent to the clinic and pretended that she wanted to avail of lip filler treatment.
When the asset could not ascertain that the staff who handled her were doctors or nurses, police immediately moved in.
Seized during the operation were lip filler substances, vials, ampules, tablets, capsules, syringes, and beauty enhancement machines.
The clinic also did not have accreditation from the Food and Drug Administration which was needed for the medical cosmetic services that they offered.
If proven guilty of RA 9711, the suspects could be jailed for 10 years and fined between P50,000 and P500,000.
Violation of RA 2382 carries a penalty of one year but not more than five years of imprisonment and a fine.
“This operation demonstrates our unwavering commitment to respond to public complaints and verified information. We will continue to go after unlicensed and illegal activities that put public health at risk. We encourage the community to remain vigilant and work hand in hand with us in safeguarding the welfare of every citizen,” said PRO-7 chief Brig. Gen. Redrico Maranan.