Duterte to PNP: Arrest black market sellers of COVID-19 drugs, essential meds
MANILA, Philippines — President Rodrigo Duterte on Thursday ordered the police to arrest and detain people selling COVID-19 drugs and essential medicines in the black market.
In a taped public address, Duterte said police can detain suspects for up to 34 hours for investigation and for summary inquest proceedings.
“Hulihin talaga ninyo at ipasok ninyo sa selda (Arrest them and detain them). I am ordering the police to arrest black marketeers,” he said.
He said all people involved, including the owner of the store and the sales representative, should be arrested “without exception.”
“Hulihin ninyo at ikulong ninyo and I think that’s a serious offense, you can detain them for 34 hours… This time if you do that talagang upakan ko kayo,” Duterte said.
He issued the remarks after the Food and Drug Administration appealed to the public to only buy their medicines from FDA-licensed outlets.
