Vietnamese citizen nabbed for illegal cosmetic procedures in Parañaque — NBI

The National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) arrested a Vietnamese citizen for allegedly performing illegal cosmetic procedures at a clandestine clinic in Parañaque City.

Operatives from the NBI Special Action Unit conducted an entrapment operation on May 13 after receiving a complaint about an individual posing as a medical professional offering invasive procedures.

“Upon verification with the PRC, this individual is not a licensed medical professional and is not allowed to practice medicine,” an NBI agent said during a press briefing.

Authorities said an undercover operative applied for a liposuction procedure, which requires professional medical expertise.

“Liposuction is considered an invasive procedure that requires the expertise of a medical professional,” the agent added.

The suspect was arrested after operatives entered the clinic and found two Filipino patients who had just undergone procedures.

“They are still fresh from their medical procedures,” the NBI said, noting this confirmed active medical practice inside the facility.

Authorities also seized medical equipment used in the operation.

The suspect is facing charges for violation of the Medical Act of 1959.

Investigators said the clinic offered procedures at around P40,000—lower than rates charged by licensed practitioners, which can range from P50,000 to P80,000.

Officials warned the public to be cautious of unusually cheap procedures and to verify the credentials of practitioners.

“Kapag napuna ninyo na mas mura, i-verify muna ninyo kung ito ay may registration, may permits,” NBI Spokesperson Palmer Mallari said.

(If you notice the price is lower, verify first if the clinic is registered and has permits.)

The NBI also flagged new tactics used by illegal clinics to avoid detection, including restricting patients from using mobile phones during procedures.

According to investigators, this may be intended to prevent communication with authorities or accomplices during entrapment operations.

Authorities added that such operations have become more “compartmentalized,” making it harder for both patients and law enforcement to identify those actually performing the procedures.

In some cases, different individuals handle initial inquiries, while the unlicensed practitioner only appears during the actual operation.

The agency said it is continuing its investigation to determine how long the illegal clinic had been operating and to identify possible additional victims. —Sherylin Untalan/NBI, GMA News