A 35-year-old individual posing as a nurse was arrested on July 7 in an entrapment operation in Pasay City for allegedly offering Pfizer, AstraZeneca, and Sinovac COVID-19 vaccines for sale.
The suspect, identified as Michelle Parajes, allegedly offered to sell 56 vials of COVID-19 vaccines worth P120,000. The entrapment operation was conducted after nurse Dayrelle Esteban reported Pajares to authorities for using her identity to sell vaccines.
Authorities said the suspect was using Esteban’s Professional Regulation Commission ID as a registered nurse to lure vaccine buyers.
No vaccines were recovered from the suspect, leading authorities to believe that the suspect is involved in swindling.
“We assumed may vaccine doon sana, pero wala pala. ‘Yung assessment namin is purely swindling ito. Naki-sakay lang sa vaccine,” Philippine National Police (PNP) Pasay City chief Police Col. Cesar Paday-Os said.
The suspect admitted her wrongdoing, saying she only did it due to unemployment. Her live-in partner was also arrested. Both are currently facing charges for estafa and violation of the Cybercrime Prevention Act.
The government has continuously said the COVID-19 vaccines are free in the country. President Rodrigo Duterte also issued a warning against illegal vaccine sellers during his July 6 public address. – Report from Patrick de Jesus/AG- jlo
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