The PNP-Criminal Investigation and Detection Group (PNP-CIDG) in the Mandaluyong City Prosecutors’ Office has filed charges against the two suspects in the controversial sale of COVID-19 vaccines.
According to PNP-CIDG Director, BGen. Albert Ferro, charges of violating article 315 of the Revised Penal Code or estafa, violating the anti-red tape law of 2007, and violating the anti-cybercrime law were filed against Cycle Cedric Bonifacio and Melvin Polo Gutierrez.
Ferro clarified that Bonifacio and Gutierrez are not employees of Mandaluyong City Hall, contrary to previous news.
According to the vaccine brand charge, vlogger Nina Elaine Dizon first revealed the anomalous transaction where the victims of the two can get a vaccine slot in the cities of Mandaluyong and San Juan.
PNP Chief Gen. Guillermo Eleazar said the CIDG is still investigating the case as other individuals may be involved.
“Magsilbing babala sana ito sa iba pang magtatangkang dayain ang sistema ng ating national vaccination program ang ating pagsasampa ng kaso laban kay Bonifacio at Gutierrez,” said Eleazar.
Eleazar reminded the public that the COVID-19 vaccines provided by the Local Government Units (LGUs) are free. All they have to do is register and wait for the vaccination.
2 involved in selling COVID-19 vaccine charged
Last month, the 25-year-old alleged COVID-19 vaccine slot seller Mandaluyong City has already surrendered to the local government.
According to Mandaluyong Mayor Menchie Abalos, the suspect’s father, Cyle Bonifacio, worked as a barangay councilor in the city, who came forward about his son.
“Tumawag sa akin ang tatay, sabi niya anak niya. I thought all the while, ‘di ko talaga alam na taga-Mandaluyong siya,” said Abalos.
“Di rin niya alam ang ginagawa ng anak niya kung di pa siya pinuntahan ng kapulisan,” he added.
Bonifacio said he did not actually sell but only gave him a receipt. But he refused to name who it was from.
He also clarified that his parents had nothing to do with the incident.
He added that he was ready to tell everything to the authorities.
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