Warehouse supplying meds to 'underground hospital' for Chinese patients raided in Clark, Pampanga

Authorities raided a warehouse that allegedly supplies Chinese medicines to the "underground hospital" earlier discovered to be catering to Chinese patients with coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) in Clark, Pampanga.

The stockroom was raided by joint forces of the Criminal Investigation and Detection Group (CIDG) Region III Regional Field Unit, the Department of Health-Food and Drug Administration (DOH-FDA), and the Clark Development Authority, according to a 24 Oras report by John Consulta on Friday.

Some of the arrested Chinese at the raided fly-by-night hospital confessed to being engaged in the illegal operation.

The CIDG said the warehouse used boxes of mineral water as front to cover the medicines and medical supplies.

"Kukuha ng sample 'yung FDA ipapadala ito sa laboratory kasi hindi natin alam, may mga risk dito na maaaring makasama or may side effects," CIDG Deputy Director for Administration Police Brigadier General Rhoderick Armamento said.

Following the CIDG's raid on an underground hospital in the area, the Clark Development Corporation (CDC) and Bases Conversion and Development Authority (BCDA) have announced the lockdown of the Fontana Leisure Park at the Clark Freeport Zone.

More than 1,000 employees, guests and residents of the facility have undergone mandatory testing for COVID-19.

The CDC also assured the public that those behind the illegal hospital will face charges.

"Majority 'yung nagpupunta dito itinatago 'yung kanilang profile at kanilang background. Maaaring sila ay overstaying alien or unregistered alien," Armamento said.

Justice Secretary Menardo Guevarra ordered the Bureau of Immigration for a background check on the arrested Chinese at the illegal hospital and charge their accomplices. -Jamil Santos/MDM, GMA News