Abortion drug secretly being sold in Quiapo, church official admits

A medication that may induce abortion is still being sold secretly near the Quiapo Church area in Manila, the church's rector said.

 

Worse, Quiapo Church rector Msgr. Clemente Ignacio cited information reaching him that some of these vendors secretly sell the drug along with religious items.

 

"Nakikita natin ang vendor, kahit religious article [ang binebenta], nagbebenta ng Cytotec. Sinisingit nila ang pagbebenta ng Cytotec," Ignacio said in an interview on dzBB radio on Tuesday.

 

Cytotec is a brand of misoprostol, which the US National Institutes of Health describes as a medication “to prevent ulcers in people who take certain arthritis or pain medicines, including aspirin, that can cause ulcers. It protects the stomach lining and decreases stomach acid secretion.”

 

However, the NIH also discouraged its use among pregnant women, saying it may "cause miscarriages, premature labor, or birth defects." 

 

Ignacio said the information reaching him indicated the vendors have "barkers" who may be receiving commissions for every customer who buys the drug.

 

But he said police and the National Bureau of Investigation are already on the case, observing vendors suspected of selling the drug.

 

He also said some vendors are keeping watch over their own ranks to protect their businesses near the church.

 

"Binabalaan natin ang bumibili sa Quiapo, mag-ingat kayo. Maraming lookout na pulis. ‘Pag nahulihan kayo, pati kayo madadampot," Ignacio said. –KG, GMA News