MANILA, Philippines — Fourteen individuals were arrested by the Philippine National Police (PNP) within two months for allegedly practicing dentistry without a license across multiple regions in Mindanao.
According to a statement from the PNP Anti-Cybercrime Group (PNP ACG) on Thursday, the suspects were arrested in nine separate operations between March 12 and April 28 in Cotabato City, Zamboanga City, Davao City, Tagum City, and Ipil town in Zamboanga Sibugay.
The PNP ACG added that an April 11 operation in Davao City also rescued a child in conflict with the law (CICL).
In an interview at Camp Crame on Thursday, PNP ACG Director Brig. Gen. Bernard Yang said the police coordinated with the Philippine Dental Association (PDA) to verify whether the individuals were licensed dentists.
Yang detailed that one 25-year-old suspect arrested last April 28 in Cotabato City offered his services for P1,000 when professional services usually cost around P20,000 to 40,000.
“Mostly students ang nabibiktima, so nagtitipid ang mga estudyante,” Yang said.
(It’s mostly students who are victimized, so the students are trying to save money.)
The suspect, identified by police only as “Bart,” had clients go to motels for their respective operations, Yang said.
“Inoorder niya lang din online yung mga kinakabit niya… Ito ay nag-aral lang naman doon sa online,” he added.
(He orders online for what he uses in operations… He only studied online.)
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“Bart” and the 13 other suspects face charges for violating Republic Act 9484 or the Philippine Dental Act in relation to RA 10175 or the Cybercrime Prevention Act, the ACG director said.