2 Chinese operators of illegal COVID-19 clinic in Clark hunted

THE National Bureau of Investigation is now hunting down two Chinese who allegedly operated a clandestine medical facility treating COVID-19 patients mostly foreigners inside a leisure park in Clark, Pampanga.

Last May 19, the Philippine National Police raided the facility inside a villa at Fontana Resort and Convention in Clark Freeport Zone.

Arrested were alleged owner Ling Hu and Seung-Hyun Lee as the alleged pharmacist.

But the two Chinese were released on the same day as police have yet to file charges pending certification from the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) that the seized medicines from the suspects were being sold without permits.

“These two foreign nationals should have been brought to the inquest prosecutor instead of being released,” said Justice Secretary Menardo Guevarra.

For its part, the Clark Development Corporation said in a statement: "This illegal activity not only violates the law, but also poses danger to individuals who potentially need medical treatment for the deadly disease," the statement said.

Fontana Leisure Park, located 80 kilometers north of Manila, has villas, a water theme park, golf course, and casino.