Manila: The National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) has arrested a Vietnamese national for the alleged practice of illegal medicine in Manila. In a statement, the NBI identified the suspect as Hoang Thi Hai Yen, also known as ‘Van Pahm’ and ‘Doc Yen.’
According to Philippines News Agency, Hoang was apprehended during an entrapment operation in Manila on September 2. She faces charges for violating several laws, including Sections 8 and 28 of Republic Act No. 2382 (Medical Act of 1959), in relation to R.A. No. 10175 (Cybercrime Prevention Act of 2012); Article 40, Sections a, b, and e of R.A. No. 7394 (The Consumer Act of the Philippines); Section 11(a) of R.A. No. 9711 (Food and Drug Administration Act of 2009); and Section 30 of R.A. No. 10918 (Philippine Pharmacy Act).
The suspect was reportedly part of a group of Vietnamese nationals allegedly engaged in performing cosmetic treatments and surgeries without proper authorization from the Professional Regulations Commission (PRC). This group was accused of dispensing medicines without a Certificate of Registration (COR) and a License to Operate (LTO) issued by the Food and Drugs Administration (FDA).
NBI agents set up an appointment with ‘Doc Yen’ at her clinic in Manila, where the suspect agreed to conduct a cosmetic treatment on a poseur-patient for PHP105,000.
