The Criminal Investigation and Detection Group (CIDG) on Sunday warned the public against unlicensed individuals posing as medical professionals following the arrest of a man pretending to be a doctor in Caloocan City.

CIDG chief PMGen. Nicolas Torre III said law enforcement authorities conducted an entrapment operation against the suspect, identified as Jenel, on 19 February at Bermudez Polymedic Hospital on Malaria Road, Caloocan City.

The operation was launched after a complaint alleged that the suspect, a resident of Barangay 391, Tala, Caloocan City, was conducting medical consultations and issuing prescriptions without the required registration or license to practice as a medical doctor.

The arrested individual was charged before the National Prosecution Service with violating Section 10 of Republic Act No. 4224, which amends certain provisions of the Medical Act of 1959, for engaging in activities that do not constitute legitimate medical practice.

“The state values and protects all the lives of the citizenry and it is very alarming to see fake doctors treating patients. Practice of medicine is very crucial and important and must be performed by licensed professionals,” Torre said.

The CIDG chief also warned that authorities will continue to pursue individuals engaged in similar illegal activities.