THE Department of Justice (DOJ) has given the National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) 10 days to submit the initial result of its probe into reports of illegal selling of Covid-19 vaccines and vaccination slots.
In a one-page department order, Justice Secretary Menardo Guevarra said the initial report should be submitted directly to his office.
Guevarra earlier ordered NBI officer in charge Eric Distor to instruct its Cyber Crime Division and other units to investigate the alleged illegal sale of anti-Covid-19 vaccines and/or vaccination slots upon the request of Metropolitan Manila Development Authority Chairman Benhur Abalos.
The DOJ secretary said the NBI has already in its possession excerpts of online communication between those selling and buying vaccination slots that might be useful in the bureau’s probe.
“The leads provided to us consisted of excerpts from certain online communications between the transacting parties,” he added.
Aside from the NBI, the Philippine National Police and various local government units have also agreed to look into the possible illegal practice.
Abalos earlier reminded the public that all Covid-19 shots provided by the government are for free.
Slots for Covid-19 vaccination in Mandaluyong City and San Juan City were reportedly being sold for as much as P12,000, depending on the vaccine brand.