Ex-narcotics agent ‘Rosebud’ nabbed for allegedly selling vaccine slots

Former narcotics agent Mary “Rosebud” Ong was arrested with three others on Saturday by agents of the National Bureau of Investigation for allegedly selling vaccination slots for P7,000 each.

Ong together with Peter Ogay Ong, Warlito Mabanan and Ferdinand Balagot fell in an entrapment operation conducted by the Special Action Unit (SAU) in Pasay City, according to documents obtained by GMA’s John Consulta.

The four are facing charges of estafa under the Revised Penal Code and violation of Republic Act No. 11032 or the Anti-Red Tape Act and Republic Act No. 6713 or Code of Conduct and Ethical Standards for Public Officials for Balagot, who is a public officer serving as barangay secretary.

The complainants said they met a person who promised them vaccination slots for P7,000 per dose. Surprised by the amount and learning that selling the doses is illegal, they reported the matter to the SAU who arranged for an entrapment operation resulting in the arrest of the suspects.

Rosebud Ong, a police informant-turned-state witness, was thrust into the limelight when he accused Senator Panfilo Lacson of being involved in drug trafficking, kidnapping, summary execution and other illegal activities when the latter was still with the Philippine National Police.

GMA News Online has reached out to Ong for her statement.—LDF, GMA News