PHILIPPINE National Police (PNP) Chief Guillermo Eleazar has ordered the Criminal Investigation and Detection Group (CIDG) and Anti-Cybercrime Group (ACG) to look into reports of alleged sale of falsified negative Covid-19 test result by a personnel from an accredited laboratory.
Eleazar said they have received reports that falsified negative RT-PCR test results, which are presented as travel requirements, are being sold for at least P1,000 each. The buyer no longer has to undergo an actual swab test.
The person behind the scam allegedly introduces himself as a personnel of a laboratory accredited by the Department of Health (DOH).
He claimed that the negative swab test result will reflect on their system should it be verified by authorities, hence, it will appear legitimate.
“Hindi talaga nauubusan ng modus ang mga tuso at oportunista para pagkakitaan ang pandemya,” Eleazar said.
“We will not allow this. The PNP will track down and arrest the persons behind this kind of scam,” he added.
Eleazar urged the public to immediately report to authorities if they have information on the illegal activity and reminded them not to fall victim to the scam.
“We are asking for the public’s cooperation so that we can quickly arrest the culprits and shut down this activity which is not only illegal but poses a danger to public health as it would set back our efforts in curbing the spread of Covid-19,” he said.
“Kung kayo ay nabiktima na ng ganitong modus o may nanghikayat sa inyo na kumuha ng falsified negative RT-PCR result ay ipagbigay alam ninyo agad sa mga otoridad. Huwag ninyong sakyan o patulan ang ganitong mga scam dahil pati kayo ay mahaharap sa asunto,” he added. (Third Anne Peralta-Malonzo / SunStar Philippines)