Manila: A Vietnamese and 11 others were arrested in a raid at a beauty clinic operating without proper government licenses in Cebu province, the Police Regional Office (PRO) 7 (Central Visayas) said Monday. In a statement, PRO7 Chief Brig. Gen. Redrico Maranan said the unnamed suspects were nabbed in an entrapment at the Adora Beauty Clinic in Barangay Cogon, Central Ramos on July 19 for violations of Republic Act (RA) 9711 (Food and Drug Administration Act of 2009) and RA 2382 (Medical Act of 1959).

According to Philippines News Agency, Maranan said the operation stemmed from a complaint saying the clinic is illegally offering beauty enhancement procedures that were found ineffective and does not disclose the brands of the products used. The clinic was also unable to present any FDA accreditation required for offering medical cosmetic services.

A police asset posed as a client and requested a lip filler treatment, which was allegedly administered by a staff member who is neither a licensed physician nor a nurse, prompting the operating team to move in and arrest those involved. Recovered during the operation were two syringes containing lip filler substances, assorted vials, ampules, tablets, capsules, syringes, one RF intensity machine, and one Darme Shine Pro machine.

All suspects are now under the custody of the Regional Special Operations Unit 7. They would face charges for violation of RA 9711 which has a penalty of up to 10 years imprisonment and/or a fine ranging from PHP50,000 to PHP500,000. Meanwhile, those convicted under RA 2382 for unauthorized medical practice may be penalized with imprisonment of not less than one year and not more than five years, or a fine.