NTF to arrest those selling illegal Covid-19 vaccines

The National Task Force (NTF) Against Covid-19 is intensifying its efforts to apprehend individuals and groups involved in the illegal sale of Covid-19 vaccines.

NTF Chief Implementer Secretary Carlito Galvez Jr. vowed to impose penalties on those caught profiting from the vaccines under Republic Act 11525, the Covid-19 Vaccination Program Act of 2021.

Galvez emphasized that Covid-19 vaccines currently only have Emergency Use Authorization and are not allowed for commercial sale.

The illicit commercialization of vaccines not only jeopardizes the national vaccination program but also poses significant risks to the health of Filipinos.

PNP chief Gen. Guillermo Eleazar has ordered the Criminal Investigation and Detection Group (CIDG) to track down those involved in the illegal sale of Covid-19 vaccines.

Eleazar stated that if the vaccines for sale are smuggled, the CIDG will identify their source and the individuals behind their smuggling.

The NTF is collaborating with key law enforcement agencies, including the NBI, the Armed Forces of the Philippines Intelligence Unit, the PNP, and the FDA, to track down and hold accountable those behind these illegal activities.

The commercial use of any Covid-19 vaccine in the country is prohibited as these are only approved for emergency use by the FDA.