29/04/2026
CIDG ARRESTS 2 FEMALES FOR ALLEGED ILLEGAL PRACTICE OF MEDICINE IN ISABELA PROVINCE
On April 22, 2026 at around 1:20 PM, the CIDG Isabela Provincial Field Unit together with representatives from the Food and Drug Administration (FDA and o territorial police units, in coordination with the Business Permit and Licensing Office of Cauayan City, Isabela conducted a law enforcement operation in a Skin Care Clinic located in Barangay District 1, Cauayan City, Isabela for violations of Republic Act No. 2382 (The Medical Act of 1959) and Republic Act No. 9711 (Food and Drug Administration Act of 2009) that resulted in the arrest of two female suspects, and the confiscation of vials of Clostridium Botulinum Toxin Type A (Botox), bottles of Aqua Skin Puregold EGK Ultra 880,000 mg, syringes filled with substance, syringes, scalp vein set, saline solution, and other related medical paraphernalia.
A report that reached PMGEN Robert AA Morico II, the Director of CIDG stated that the suspects as “Maya” and “Minda” both female and of legal were caught while allegedly performing practice of medicine- administering Clostridium Botulinum Toxin (Botox) and Aqua Skin Puregold EGF Ultra 880,000 mg (Glutathione treatment) to clients-patients for a sum of PhP15,000.00 and PhP3,500.00 per session, respectively.
The suspects failed to present any license or legal authority to perform said medical procedures. They have not yet passed the Board Examination for medicines and no valid Certificate of Registration has been issued to her by the Board of Medical Examiners, thus, a constitutes an illegal practice of medicine.
The CIDG Director emphasized that the Republic Act No. 2382, known as The Medical Act of 1959, is the foundational law regulating the medical profession in the Philippines. It standardizes medical education, governs the licensure examination, and controls the practice of medicine. The law states that before a person can practice medicine, he or she must first pass the corresponding Board Examination or a holder of a valid Certificate of Registration issued by the Board of Medical Examiners.
He also underscored that pursuant to Republic Act No. 9711, otherwise known as the “Food and Drug Administration Act of 2009”, the manufacture, importation, exportation, sale, offering for sale, distribution, transfer, promotion, advertising or sponsorship of any health product that is unregistered or without proper authorization from the FDA is prohibited.
The CIDG leadership commends PCOL Rodrigo B Soriano, the Regional Chief of the CIDG Regional Field Unit 2 and the CIDG Isabela Provincial Field Unit led by PLTCOL Rex G Pascua, and the Food and Drug Administration for the successful arrest of two suspects, thus preventing future illegal practice of medicine in the area.
The CIDG assures the public that it remains resolute in enforcing all laws to protect all the consumers. It warns the public that the illegal practice of medicine is a "serious threat to public health and the life of every patient"
The Group reminds the public to be cautious in availing medical procedures, always check for a valid license of the medical practitioners from the appropriate government agencies before undergoing any procedure; and urges everyone to report to CIDG any suspicious and illegal practice of medicine and other criminal activities in their localities and the CIDG will do the rest.
