CDC: Fontana management to be held accountable over 'underground' hospital for Chinese nationals

The management of Fontana Leisure Park will be held liable over the operation of an "underground hospital" for Chinese nationals positive for coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) in Pampanga, the Clark Development Corporation (CDC) said Wednesday.

"Aside from the operators who are now facing criminal charges, the CDC will also hold into account the management of Fontana for allowing this to happen within their property," the CDC said in a statement.

"We assure Clark stakeholders, the locators, local communities and residents especially, that we will not stop until all those involved are prosecuted and punished," it added.

Cops raided an "underground" hospital wherein a former leisure village was converted into an illegal pharmacy and seven-bed makeshift hospital for Chinese nationals infected with COVID-19.

Earlier reports said the establishment does not have a permit to operate from the Department of Health and Inter-Agency Task Force on Emerging Infectious Diseases.

During the raid, the administrator and pharmacist of the underground hospital were arrested by authorities. They will face charges for violation of the Food and Drug Administration Act of 2009 and the Medical Act of 1958.

Following the operation, Clark officials directed the closure and full lockdown of Fontana Leisure Park inside the Clark Freeport.

"This illegal activity not only violates the law, but also poses danger to individuals who potentially need medical treatment for the deadly disease. CDC does not and will never tolerate this inside the Clark Freeport," the CDC vowed.—AOL, GMA News