MANILA — A Chinese national was arrested in Binondo, Manila for allegedly practicing medicine without a license and dispensing unregistered medicines in violation of Philippine laws, authorities said.

Chen Hong Ru was apprehended by agents from the National Capital Region office of the National Bureau of Investigation on July 14, 2025, following reports that he was operating a makeshift clinic and posing as a physician without authorization.

According to investigators, confidential informants tipped off authorities about Chen’s illegal activities on July 7. The following day, NBI agents conducted a test-buy operation in which an informant, pretending to suffer from a severe headache and stomach pain, underwent a consultation with Chen.

After the check-up, Chen allegedly sold the informant a box of Betaloc AstraZeneca—labeled in Chinese—and several other Chinese medicines in plastic sachets for a total of ₱1,500.

Authorities said this confirmed the tip-off, prompting an entrapment operation on July 14 that resulted in Chen’s arrest while he was allegedly examining a patient and dispensing medicines.

Chen was presented for inquest proceedings before the Manila Prosecutor’s Office for violations of Republic Act No. 2382 (The Medical Act of 1959) and Republic Act No. 9711 (Food and Drug Administration Act of 2009).

The operation was conducted under the directive of NBI Director Jaime B. Santiago (Ret.), who lauded the NCR operatives for their teamwork and commitment to public safety.