MANILA – The National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) arrested three foreign nationals in separate operations in Metro Manila and Central Luzon for the illegal practice of medicine.

On August 15, agents of the NBI-Cybercrime Division (NBI-CCD) arrested two Vietnamese nationals in Parañaque City following an entrapment operation. The bureau identified them as Nguyen The Thang and Mai Quy Loc, alias Do Thi Binh.

The operation stemmed from reports that the suspects were operating a beauty clinic and offering medical procedures, including liposuction, rhinoplasty, blepharoplasty, and facelift, without proper authorization. Verification with the Professional Regulation Commission confirmed that Do Thi Binh had no permit to practice medicine in the Philippines.

The two were presented for inquest proceedings for illegal practice of medicine under the Medical Act of 1959 in relation to the Cybercrime Prevention Act of 2012, as well as violations of the Food and Drug Administration Act and the Philippine Pharmacy Act.

A day earlier, on August 14, operatives of the NBI-Tarlac District Office (NBI-TARDO) arrested Korean national John Suk, also known as John Seuk or Suk Sang Hong, at Eirene Clinic in Clark Freeport Zone, Pampanga.

Using a poseur patient, agents confirmed Suk was conducting medical consultations despite not being licensed by the PRC. He was immediately arrested after advising the undercover agent to return for surgery. Medicines, vaccines, antibiotics, a laptop, and other items were seized from the clinic, some of which were unregistered with the Food and Drug Administration.

Suk faces charges for violations of the Medical Act of 1959 and the FDA Act of 2009.

NBI Director Judge Jaime B. Santiago (Ret.) commended the operations, stressing that the bureau remains committed to protecting the public from unauthorized and potentially dangerous medical practices.