3 arrested over attempted P100K medicine fraud in QC — NCRPO

Three individuals were nabbed for allegedly trying to fraudulently obtain and resell some P100,000 worth of medicines from a government medical assistance center at a Quezon City hospital, police said Friday.

The National Capital Region Police Office (NCRPO) said they tried to obtain medical aid by presenting falsified and questionable documents to the Malasakit Center at the Quirino Memorial Medical Center (QMMC).

"Initial investigation by the NCRPO showed that the individuals intended to obtain medicines worth over P100,000 for online resale at lower prices," the NCRPO said in a statement.

"Hospital staff detected inconsistencies in the documents submitted, prompting immediate coordination with on-duty security personnel, who effected the apprehension of the individuals," it added.

According to the police, the suspects were reportedly new recruits and were enticed by promises of quick income. 

Confiscated from them were falsified identification cards, medical certificates, prescriptions, clinical abstracts, and referral documents.

The suspects were later turned over to responding police officers for further investigation and proper disposition. 

They are expected to face charges for attempted estafa through falsification of public documents, according to the police.

NCRPO chief Police Major General Anthony Aberin said, "Let this serve as a warning—any attempt to falsify documents and deceive public institutions will be dealt with firmly."

"We will ensure that government assistance reaches its rightful beneficiaries and act swiftly against those who seek to exploit it," Aberin said. — VDV, GMA News