‘Underground’ medical facilities connected? PNP chief can't say yet

Philippine National Police (PNP) chief Police General Archie Francisco Gamboa on Friday said authorities could not establish yet if there are interconnections among the operations of underground clinics, mostly operated by Chinese nationals, in this time of health crisis.

"Hindi pa namin naestablish pero probably kung makita din natin really... kaya siguro nila ginagawa ito dahil gusto nilang magkaroon ng lunas ang kanilang may mga may sakit na kasama," Gamboa said at a virtual press briefing.

"But again, let's not forget that kahit na ang intension niyo ay maganda, kailangan niyo pa rin dumaan sa regulatory functions ng gobyerno," he added.

The PNP chief vowed that cops would continue conducting operations against illegal medical clinics in coordination with the Department of Health.

"Patuloy kaming gagawa ng operasyon laban sa mga ilegal na hospital at clinic in coordination with Department of Health," Gamboa said.

Earlier, Justice Secretary Menardo Guevarra tasked the National Bureau of Investigation and the Bureau of Immigration to assist the police in locating other underground clinics, noting that charges must be lodged against operators if warranted.

Police recently raided a villa in a leisure park in Pampanga, which was allegedly turned into a makeshift hospital for Chinese nationals. The alleged administrator and the supposed pharmacist of the facility were arrested and then reportedly released without charges.

Meanwhile, the Makati City Police also discovered an unlicensed medical facility that was supposedly used for treating Chinese COVID-19 patients. Authorities said the Chinese doctor in the clinic had no license to practice in the Philippines.

In a recent operation, operatives from the National Bureau of Investigation raided an illegal pharmacy and clinic in Angeles, Pampanga. Authorities have found six hospital beds, dextrose, unregistered Chinese medicines as well as rapid test and swab kits in the facility. —LDF, GMA News