NBI raids alleged POGO-owned clinic

The National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) raided on Saturday a clinic allegedly owned by a Philippine offshore gaming operator (POGO) firm in San Isidro, Makati.

- MARK ERNEST VILLEZA

Chinese medicines not registered with the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) were found at the clinic, according to NBI Director Jaime Santiago.

“We requested a copy from the FDA and the supply of the medicines is on the second floor. Unfortunately, the court only allowed us to search the first floor,” Santiago said.

The clinic would be cordoned off until today when the FDA would use its visitorial power and search the second floor, he added.

The POGO that allegedly owns the clinic is located in Pampanga, according to the NBI-Laguna District Office and NBI-Calabarzon.

At least six people escaped from the clinic during the raid and two others jumped from the second floor.

Authorities failed to apprehend the fleeing Chinese.

Those who were caught would be turned over to the Bureau of Immigration to determine their status, Santiago said.