Authorities raid illegal clinic treating alleged Chinese COVID-19 patients

MANILA, Philippines — Authorities on Tuesday raided an underground clinic in Pampanga allegedly treating Chinese nationals diagnosed with COVID-19.

Police Brig. Gen. Rhoderick Armamento of the Criminal Investigation and Detection Group (CIDG), said Wednesday that arrested during the raid were Chinese nationals identified as Hu Ling, 44, who is the reported supervisor of the clinic, and Lee Seung Hyun, 38, who is the pharmacist at the store.

Armamento said the arrest came after they received a tip from an informant about an unauthorized clinic and pharmaceutical store in Mabalacat City.

The informant discovered the clinic after he reportedly accompanied a Chinese patient at the health facility to supposedly seek treatment for COVID-19, Armamento added.

After gaining information, Armamento said police officers conducted three weeks surveillance and intelligence gathering to verify the report.

CIDG Regional Field Unit-3, led by Col. Amante Daro; Food and Drug Administration (FDA) of Region III; Angeles City Police Office; and Regional Intelligence Division of Police Regional Office 3 then raided the clinic and arrested the suspects.

Armamento said they seized several Chinese medicines and items during the operation.

The police official also said the suspects and seized evidence are now under custody of CIDG while they are preparing complaints for violation of Food and Drug Administration (FDA) Act of 2009 and The Medical Act of 1959 against the suspects.

In another report from the CIDG, the FDA has already padlocked the clinic while investigating the seized Chinese medicine.

Makeshift medical facility closed

The Clark Development Corporation (CDC) in Pampamga said the illegal medical facility located at the Fontana Leisure Park in Clark Freeport was already shut down.

“As a result, Clark officials have ordered the closure and full lockdown of Fontana Leisure Park inside the Clark Freeport following the raid,” read the statement issued on Wednesday.

CDC, which manages the Fontana Park, said the illegal activity also posed danger to patients who are in need of “potential” medical treatment for the respiratory ailment.

“This illegal activity not only violates the law, but also poses danger to individuals who potentially need medical treatment for the deadly disease. CDC does not and will never tolerate this inside the Clark Freeport,” CDC said.