‘POGO workers’ frequented COVID-19 clinic in Pasay

MANILA, Philippines — The clandestine COVID-19 clinic in Pasay City raided by authorities last week for illegally servicing Chinese supposedly working for Philippine Offshore Gaming Operators (POGO) has been operating for the past eight months.

According to a source, vans could be seen arriving at the makeshift clinic every morning and afternoon. Each vehicle was reportedly carrying Chinese believed to be working at POGO establishments.

Due to increased demand, the clinic would run out of Chinese medicine. At least 10 to 20 clients per day would have to pay several thousands of pesos to get treatment, the source said.

“We are still not yet certain if the Chinese who went to the clinic are illegal aliens. We are also verifying if the clinic has no permit to operate and that would make its operations illegal,” the source added.

On Thursday, operatives of the National Bureau of Investigation, Bureau of Customs (BOC) and Philippine Coast Guard raided the COVID-19 clinic and recovered P1.5 million worth of Chinese medicines.

Among the Chinese medicines confiscated by authorities was Ribavirin, which is reportedly being used to treat pneumonia and bronchitis.

“We believed that the clinic was treating COVID-19 patients,” the BOC said earlier.

The operators of the clinic will be charged for violating Section 1113 of Republic Act 10863 or the Customs Modernization and Tariff Act.