POLICE have also filed criminal charges against a businesswoman who allegedly intended to engage in illegal trading of vaccination slots.
Nina Ellaine Dizon-Cabrera was charged on Monday, June 7, 2021 with estafa under Article 315 of the Revised Penal Code; violation of Section 21-H of Republic Act 11032, or the Anti-Red Tape Law of 2007; and violation of Section 6 of Republic Act 10175, or the Cybercrime Prevention Act of 2012.
The same charges were filed against Cyle Cedric Soriano Bonifacio, formerly identified as Kyle Bonifacio, and Melvin Polo Gutierrez, a fire and barangay volunteer in Mandaluyong City.
Read: Police file charges vs sellers of vaccine slots
Philippine National Police (PNP) Chief Guillermo Eleazar said Cabrera was also charged after the PNP Anti-Cybercrime Group found that she had intended to buy and sell vaccination slots.
In a statement, Cabrera said she was “completely baffled” as to why she was being dragged into the scheme since she had exposed the illegal activity.
On May 21, 2021, Cabrera posted screenshots of her conversation with an “agent” who offered her vaccination.
She said she instructed her assistant to inquire about a vaccination offer she saw online but she was not aware that it was illegal.
Cabrera said she had provided the San Juan City Government with all the information she had gathered. She said did not receive any communication from the PNP.
“As of writing, I have yet to receive anything from the complainant’s end, but, I am already in communication with my lawyer regarding this matter. The truth, as always, shall prevail,” Cabrera added.
The vaccine against coronavirus disease 2019 (Covid-19) is free.
However, the government is implementing a prioritization framework to ensure that those who are most vulnerable to severe Covid-19 are protected first. (SunStar Philippines)