Person linked to 'sale' of COVID-19 vaccine slots claiming LGU ties —PNP

The person identified by investigators as having links to the alleged "vaccine slots for sale" has claimed having connections in local government units (LGUs), the Philippine National Police (PNP) said Tuesday.

Interviewed on Dobol B TV, PNP spokesperson Police Brigadier General Ronaldo Olay said they are still verifying the person's claim.

"Ayon sa kaniyang kinakalat na impormasyon sa pamamagitan ng social media, meron siyang kakilala sa loob ng local government, 'yun ang alegasyon niya," he said.

(He is claiming on social media that he has connections in local government units, that's his allegation.)

Olay refused to identify the individual as it would affect the investigation being spearheaded by the Criminal Investigation and Detection Group (CIDG).

"Yung pangalan, diyan magsisimula ang mas malalim ng imbestigasyon ng CIDG. Maaaring naging biktima siya o siya mismo ang perpetrator," he said.

(The investigation will start with the name. The person could either be a victim or the perpetrator.)

Last week, PNP chief Police General Guillermo Eleazar tasked the CIDG to lead the investigation on the alleged illicit sale of vaccines after screenshots of the supposed "under the table" trade went viral on social media.

The messages showed that some individuals were claiming that they could obtain vaccination slots for P8,000 to P12,000. Mandaluyong and San Juan were mentioned in the messages. The mayors of both cities had labeled it as a scam, noting that vaccines against COVID-19 are given for free.

Olay appealed to anybody who has information on such racket to report it to the PNP through "E-Sumbong," an online system that aims to quickly address citizens' complaints within their communities.

He warned that those who would avail of such offer could also be held legally liable.

"Sa mga bibili, meron puwedeng malabag yan sa ating Revised Penal Code kaya mag-ingat sa pakikipag-deal sa kanyang klase ng mga tao," Olay said. —KBK, GMA News