MANILA — The Criminal Investigation and Detection Group (CIDG) arrested two Chinese nationals on Saturday, February 8, for selling unregistered medicines in Parañaque City.

CIDG agents conducted a buy-bust operation at Concorde Village, Tambo, where they seized various medicines, including OTC 999 – Ganmaoling Keli, Glucophage – Metformin Hydrochloride tablets, and Zhibai Dihuang pills.

The total value of the unregistered drugs, which lacked Food and Drug Administration (FDA) registration, was estimated at P15,000.

The suspects, identified as Hu and Quan, will face charges for violating the FDA Act of 2009, which prohibits the sale and distribution of unregistered drugs.

CIDG Chief Brig. Gen. Nicolas Torre emphasized the importance of public vigilance and urged citizens to report suspicious activities involving unregistered medicines to protect public health and strengthen the pharmaceutical sector.

In separate news, the Quezon City Police District reported the arrest of 218 suspects in anti-crime operations between February 2 and 8.

This included 64 wanted persons, 74 gamblers, 75 drug suspects, and five individuals for illegal possession of firearms.

The operations also led to the confiscation of illegal drugs worth PHP 2.06 million. Additionally, Metro Manila’s top 10 most wanted fugitives were apprehended during the first week of February.

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MANILA – A Chinese national was arrested at Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA) for using a fraudulent working visa, according to the Bureau of Immigration (BI).

On January 22, 2025, 23-year-old Li Xuanjun was intercepted at the immigration departure area of NAIA Terminal 1 before boarding a flight to Quanzhou, China.

His name triggered a hit in the BI’s automated derogatory check system, revealing that he was wanted for acquiring his working visa through fraud.

BI Commissioner Joel Anthony Viado confirmed that the visa was obtained by misrepresentation, with the visa application tied to a fictitious employer. Investigations showed the company did not exist according to records from the Securities and Exchange Commission and the Department of Trade and Industry.

As a result, Li’s working visa was canceled in 2023, and he was included on the BI’s blacklist, effectively barring him from re-entering the Philippines. Li is currently undergoing deportation proceedings at a warden facility in Taguig City.

“We will be deporting him for being an undesirable alien,” Viado said. “His visa was granted on dishonest grounds, and his presence in the country is no longer allowed.”

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