AUTHORITIES arrested a Vietnamese national and 11 staff members during an entrapment operation at a beauty clinic in Cebu City on Saturday, July 19, 2025.
The clinic, identified as Adora Beauty – Cebu Branch 3, located in the Centro Maximo Building on Jakosalem St. in Barangay Cogon Central Ramos, allegedly performed illegal aesthetic procedures, violating national laws designed to protect public health and ensure proper medical practice.
Despite the raid, the clinic continues to promote its services online and respond to client inquiries, claiming it operates normally and has “full legal documents.”
The Regional Special Operations Unit 7, led by Lt. Col. Wilfredo Taran Jr., spearheaded the raid, coordinating with the Regional Intelligence Unit 7 and the City Mobile Force Company. The Police Regional Office (PRO) 7 initiated the operation after receiving a civilian complaint alleging the clinic operated without a license for its beauty enhancement procedures and failed to disclose the brands of products used.
To verify the complaint, PRO 7 deployed a police asset who posed as a client requesting a lip filler treatment. A staff member attended to the asset, but the police asset could not determine if the individual was a licensed doctor or nurse. This observation triggered the immediate execution of the entrapment operation, leading to the arrests inside the clinic.
During the raid, operatives confiscated two syringes containing lip filler substances, various vials, ampules, tablets, capsules, other syringes, an RF intensify machine and a Darme Shine Pro machine. Authorities also noted the clinic’s lack of accreditation from the Food and Drug Administration (FDA), a requirement for offering medical cosmetic services.
The clinic reportedly offered facial enhancement services without the necessary permits, constituting a violation of Republic Act (RA) 9711, or the FDA Act of 2009, and RA 2382, or the Medical Act of 1959.
The 12 suspects, including the Vietnamese national, are now in the custody of the Regional Police Security and Protection Unit 7 for booking and documentation. Criminal charges will be filed against them in court.
Those found guilty of violating RA 9711 face imprisonment of one to 10 years and a fine ranging from P50,000 to P500,000. Conviction under RA 2382 for unauthorized medical practice carries a penalty of imprisonment of not less than one year but not more than five years, or a fine.
In a Facebook Messenger exchange with SunStar Cebu, Adora Beauty – Cebu Branch 3 responded to inquiries, offering a free consultation and a P2,000 gift for availing of treatment, noting that only five slots were available.
When the reporter directly asked about the raid, the clinic responded: “We work normally and also for your benefit… we will continue to treat based on what we have committed. We have full legal documents and our Filipino doctors work legally. Inspection by the authorities is also normal. We will return to work next week. You should calm down, no one wants this to happen and hope you have enough sympathy.”
Brig. Gen. Redrico Maranan, chief of PRO 7, lauded his personnel for their swift action and the successful arrests.
“This operation demonstrates our unwavering commitment to respond to public complaints and verified information. We will continue to go after unlicensed and illegal activities that put public health at risk,” Maranan said.
He urged the community to remain vigilant and cooperate with authorities to safeguard public welfare. Police in Central Visayas continue to monitor similar illegal activities to ensure swift apprehension. Maranan thanked the public for reporting such incidents, preventing further victims of illegal medical practices. / AYB WITH CDF