3 Chinese nationals nabbed over banned derma products

TACLOBAN CITY — Police and health regulatory officers arrested three Chinese nationals and two local sales employees Thursday during twin undercover operations targeting the sale of banned dermatological products in the city’s central business district.

The Tacloban City Police Office confirmed that joint undercover units seized quantities of unregistered topical creams and ointments marketed under the brand names Skin Fighter and Zudaifu, which were being sold as treatments for eczema, psoriasis, rashes and acne.

The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) previously issued public health advisories warning consumers against purchasing or using both imported brands.

Regulatory officials stressed that the products lacked required certification and registration, posing health risks due to unverified chemical ingredients and manufacturing standards.

Tacloban City Police Office chief Col. Marben Ordonia stated that all five suspects will face criminal charges for violating Republic Act 9711, or the Food and Drug Administration Act of 2009, which prohibits the unauthorized sale, promotion and distribution of unregistered health and cosmetic products.

The joint enforcement operations were executed by the Tacloban City Police Intelligence Unit, Police Station 2 operatives, FDA inspectors, and Bureau of Customs officers following surveillance on unauthorized retail outlets.

During the initial operation in Barangay 40 along P. Burgos Street, officers arrested a 50-year-old Chinese man, a 26-year-old Chinese woman, and a 21-year-old Filipino female employee.

In a second buy-bust operation at a shopping center in Barangay 13, officers apprehended a 36-year-old Chinese man and a 26-year-old Filipino female clerk.

All five suspects were placed in police custody pending formal filing of charges with the city prosecutor’s office.