Man nabbed for selling abortion pills online in Pasay City

A man was arrested by the National Bureau of Investigation–Dangerous Drugs Division (NBI-DDD) for selling medical abortion pills in Pasay City.

According to NBI Director Jaime Santiago, this was done through an intensified campaign against the unlawful selling of abortion pills.

The operation netted Jonathan Fabia Abetria in a small warehouse in Pasay City, and he is facing charges for violations of Republic Act No. 9711 (FDA Law) in relation to R.A. No. 10175 (Cybercrime Prevention Act of 2012), R.A. No. 10918 (Philippine Pharmacy Act), and R.A. No. 7394 (Consumers Act of 1991).

The operation was initiated based on information from a confidential informant about a clandestine drug business operated by a certain “Tan,” later identified as Subject Abetria.

The business allegedly dispensed abortion pills and other abortive medication. Subject Abetria was reportedly operating without a Certificate of Registration (COR), Professional Regulation Commission (PRC) license, and License to Operate (LTO) issued by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA).

An FDA advisory confirmed that the medicines being sold by Subject Abetria are not authorized for public distribution or dispensing without proper FDA authority.

Posing as customers, NBI-DDD agents were able to order a set of abortive pills worth Php28,000.00, another drug worth Php8,000.00, and an alleged “rape drug” priced at Php4,500.00 per piece through a customer service channel.

On 13 August 2025, an undercover agent was informed that the order would be delivered via a delivery service provider.

The agent was instructed to pay fifty percent (50%) of the total amount online, with the remaining balance due upon delivery.

With the cooperation of the delivery service provider, Subject Abetria was arrested inside his small warehouse in Pasay City after he received the marked money from the undercover agent.

Abetria, during his arrest, was unable to present his Certificate of Registration (COR), Professional Identification Card issued by the Professional Regulation Commission (PRC), and License to Operate (LTO) issued by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA).

The agents seized a significant quantity of various illegal medications, and Abetria was subsequently presented for inquest proceedings regarding the criminal offenses mentioned.

Santiago commended NBI-DDD agents for the successful operation that led to the arrest of Abetria and urged the public to only procure medicines from registered and accredited pharmacies to ensure their well-being and protect themselves against potential health risks.