DILG orders PNP to arrest bogus COVID-19 vaccine sellers

The Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) on Thursday directed the Philippine National Police (PNP) to arrest people who are selling or administering fake COVID-19 vaccines.

The order came as Pasig Vice Mayor Vico Sotto warned the public against buying fake vaccines already being sold.

In a statement, DILG officer-in-charge and Undersecretary Bernardo Florece Jr. said the department received reports that fake vaccines are circulating in the market.

“Some people are taking advantage of the pandemic to make money by selling fake vaccines,” he said.

“I am directing the PNP to arrest these criminals and ensure that these bogus vaccines are taken off the market,” he added.

Vico sounds alarm

In a Twitter post, Pasig City Mayor Vico Sotto earlier uploaded a picture of supposedly fake Pfizer-BioNTech COVID-19 vaccines, warning the public not to buy them.

“Beware! ‘Wag bumili sa mga ganito! Picture pa lang kita nang mali ang handling. Maglolokohan lang kayo niyan. Dapat dumaan sa nasyonal na pamahalaan ang pagbili ng kahit anong bakuna,” he said.

The PNP Aviation Security Group, Maritime Group, among others should monitor air and sea ports to prevent the entry of these items, Florece said.

Local government units should also coordinate with the police on the matter, he added.

Florece encourage the public to report these sellers. “Huwag po kayong magpapaloko. Tanging sa pamahalaan lamang po dadaan ang mga lehitimong bakuna at maliban dito ay ireport ninyo po ang mga nagbebenta at nagtuturok ng mga pekeng COVID-19 vaccines.” — Joviland Rita/RSJ, GMA News