COVID-19 test kits seized in Batangas

Three persons have been arrested by the Philippine Air Force and the Sto. Tomas Police for allegedly selling rapid test kits for COVID-19 in Batangas without the necessary permits from the government.

Air Force public affairs office chief Lieutenant Colonel Aristides Galang, Jr. said the suspects were arrested in an operation against an illegal COVID-19 testing center.

Operatives seized a total of 144 COVID-19 rapid test kits worth P252,000 at the BCA Diagnostic Center in Sto. Tomas.

Galang said the modus operandi of the suspects was to sell the rapid test kits online and included in the package was the testing itself at their clinic.

The apprehended individuals will face charges for violating Republic Act 9711 or the Food and Drug Administration Act of 2009.

In a separate advisory issued on April 1, the FDA reminded the public that rapid antibody test kits for COVID-19 must be acquired through a prescription from a licensed physician, hospital or pharmacy.

The FDA said test kits should also be administered by a doctor or a trained health professional and interpretation of the result must be guided by a physician.

Online sale is prohibited, the FDA added.

The FDA also urged the public to report incidents regarding the improper dispensing and use of the test kits. -Ma. Angelica Garcia/NB, GMA News