NCRPO raids illegal COVID clinic

MANILA, Philippines — Police raided a clandestine clinic, allegedly used to test Chinese employees of Philippine offshore gaming operators (POGOs) for coronavirus disease 2019, in Parañaque City at past midnight yesterday. 

In a statement, National Capital Region Police Office chief Maj. Gen. Debold Sinas said operatives raided the second floor of Diamond Bay Tower along Roxas Boulevard following a week-long surveillance.

The raiding team found 237 boxes and plastic bags of Chinese medicines and medical supplies, presumably used to treat COVID-19, Sinas said.

No one was at the clinic during the raid. Sinas said they are verifying who runs the clinic.

Authorities have discovered illegal clinics used by Chinese in Parañaque and Las Piñas. The city government of Parañaque earlier directed POGOs to have their employees tested at Department of Health-accredited clinics before they are allowed to go back to work.