Suspect in illegal sale of vaccination slots surrenders, denies allegation

Updated 4:11 p.m.

MANILA, Philippines — The suspect allegedly involved in a scheme that involves vaccination slots being sold in Mandaluyong for at least P10,000  surrendered to the Metro Manila Development Authority (MMDA) on Wednesday.

MMDA chairman Benhur Abalos and Mandaluyong City Mayor Menchie Abalos presented the suspect to the media, but the man denied any involvement in the racket.

The suspect was identified as Kyle Bonifacio, who voluntarily gave himself up.

“Hindi po talaga ako nagbenta but ‘yung resibo po na ‘yun ay kusang bigay po sa akin nung taong ‘yun, ‘yun lamang po.” Bonifacio said.

(I did not really sell them, but the receipt was voluntarily given to me, that’s it.)

He also clarified that he has no connection with the local government of Mandaluyong.

“Wala po akong connection sa LGU [local government unit], dahil isa lamang po akong batang estudyante at malabo po akong magkaroon ng ganoong koneksyon,” the suspect said.

(I have no connection to the LGU, I am merely a young student and there is no way for me to have that connection.)

The suspect then refused to give further details regarding the scheme.

Meanwhile, MMDA’s Abalos said Bonifacio will be turned over to the Philippine National Police (PNP) for investigation.

All further details together with the investigation report will be released tomorrow, May 27.

“What is important is we have already solved the problem right now, and of course may proseso tayo dito sa batas [we have due process],” he added.

He added that parents of Bonifacio had no idea what happened to the suspect, adding that the suspect and his father have not seen each other for three years.

“The father was so shocked, and the first thing he did was surrender his son,” he said.

“So mararamdaman mo ‘yung [so you can feel the] pain and agony of the parent,” he added.

Earlier today, the PNP issued a subpoena against the person tagged in the illegal sale of vaccine slots.

JPV