Photo courtesy of PNP/Facebook
Police arrested six individuals in a series of entrapment operations in Ormoc City, Catanduanes, Iloilo City, and Zamboanga City for allegedly offering unauthorized dental services through online platforms.
The Philippine National Police (PNP) said the coordinated operations targeted individuals accused of misleading the public by promoting dental procedures without proper qualifications.
In Ormoc City, Leyte, three suspects identified by their aliases Debbie, Sara, and Jamal were apprehended in separate operations conducted on April 7 and April 11, 2026 by the local Cyber Response Team.
Authorities said another suspect, alias Leo, 35, was arrested in Virac, Catanduanes on April 7.
In Iloilo City, a 21-year-old woman using the alias Lourdes was arrested in Jaro on April 10, while a 22-year-old man known as Godoy was apprehended in Zamboanga City on the same day.
Police said the suspects would face charges for violating Republic Act 9484 or the Philippine Dental Act of 2007, in relation to Republic Act 10175 or the Cybercrime Prevention Act of 2012.
PNP Chief Police General Jose Melencio Nartatez Jr. said the operations formed part of ongoing efforts to curb illegal online practices and protect public health, in line with directives to strengthen safer communities through proactive policing.
He said authorities continued to warn the public against individuals offering services beyond their professional authority, stressing the need to guard against deception, especially in health related services, and to promptly report suspicious online activities to the police.