5 nabbed, P6.1 million beauty aids seized in spa raid

MANILA, Philippines — Five persons and P6.1 million worth of assorted slimming and skin whitening products were seized during a raid on a spa in Mandaluyong City last Tuesday, an official said yesterday.

Mark Plantilla Ortiz, Rachel Cruz, Alyssa Laureta, Rosario de Guia and Jennlyn Torcelino, all employees of Gluta Spa Aesthetics and Slimming Center, were arrested for allegedly “selling or offering for sale, distribution and transfer of unregistered health products worth P6.1 million,” said Allen Bartolo, who heads the FDA’s regulatory enforcement unit.

Bantolo said the seized food and cosmetic products included skin-whitening soap, toner, cream, sunblock, capsules and slimming products such as whitening and slimming juice and detox coffee.