Another probe ordered into theft of Coronavac jabs for ‘powerful politician’ in Northern Samar

TACLOBAN CITY—Northern Samar Gov. Edwin Ongchuan has formed a committee to investigate supposed cases of theft involving doses of Coronavac, the vaccine developed by Chinese company Sinovac, at the provincial hospital.

The provincial information office (PIO) said Ongchuan issued an order creating an investigating committee to be headed by the provincial health office.

The investigation ordered by Ongchuan is separate from an ongoing probe being conducted by the provincial board.

“The provincial government would like to assure the public that it is one with them in the quest for the truth,” said Ongchuan in a statement.

At least 15 doses of Coronavac had been illegally removed from the Northern Samar Provincial Hospital’s cold storage facility, the governor said.

Ongchuan said the investigation will be fair and objective but those who will be found guilty will be punished in line with his policy of not tolerating abuse of authority or breach of protocols.

Last June 10, a woman took with 15 vials of Coronavac vaccines from the storage facility at the Northern Samar Provincial Hospital.

The vials were reportedly brought to the house of a “powerful politician” in the province and administered to his household staff and security detail.

Ongchuan said the vaccination campaign in Northern Samar will continue despite the scandal.

“We are enjoining everyone to support the program since it is only by inoculating the great majority of the population will we achieve herd immunity and return to living in normalcy,” he said.

TSB