Police arrest father and son for selling fake medicine vs COVID-19

March 23, 2020

Authorities on Sunday arrested a father and son for selling fake medicine for 2019 coronavirus disease (COVID-19) online and spreading fake news with regards to the virus.

According to Philippine National Police- Anti-Cybercrime Group (PNP-ACG), a joint operation was conducted against suspects  Ismael Aviso and Ismael Aviso Jr in their home at Barangay North Bay Boulevard, South Dagat-dagatan in Navotas City around 3:30 pm.

ACG said they received a report that a “medicinal product” that purportedly can counter COVID-19 are being marketed on social media.

The suspects were arrested after they received P7, 500 from the police poseur buyer.

Prior to the declaration of arrest, Aviso presented a spray and other products which he and his son claimed as medicine or anti-COVID19 medicine to the poseur buyer.

“Thorough investigation revealed that the so-called anti-COVID19 medicine were improvised by the older Aviso who is known for inventing a motionless electric generator in 2011,” said Police Brigadier General Dennis Agustin, the ACG director.

He added the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) had issued two public health warnings against the suspect in August and September last year for his products which being falsely advertised as a cure to viral diseases such as dengue.

The suspects, who are  under police custody, will face charges for violation of the Food and Drugs Administration Act of 2009, estafa, and unlawful use of means of publication and unlawful utterances in relation to Cybercrime Prevention Act of 2012.

Agustin called for public’s cooperation in negating the circulation of false claims and sensationalized information about COVID-19. Ella Dionisio/DMS