AUTHORITIES on Tuesday, August 17, 2021, seized P4.2 million worth of rapid antigen test kits that were allegedly being sold online and arrested four individuals, the Philippine Air Force (PAF) said on Wednesday, August 18.

PAF agents and the police seized a total of 21,000 rapid test kits during the operation in Pasig City. The four persons arrested were allegedly selling the kits online.

Charges for violation of FDA Act of 2009 in relation to FDA Advisory No. 2020- 016 or the Prohibition of Online Selling of FDA Certified COVID-19 Antibody Test Kits will be filed against the arrested persons.

Rapid antigen tests are conducted on close contacts of confirmed coronavirus disease 2019 (Covid-19) cases. This test detects antibodies that show whether an individual is fighting off or has fought off an infection, not necessarily Covid-19. (Third Anne Peralta-Malonzo / SunStar Philippines)