The Food and Drug Administration (FDA), through its Field Regulatory Operations Office, in coordination with the National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) – Dangerous Drugs Division and GMA Resibo, conducted a joint operation on 19 March 2026 in Taguig City, resulting in the seizure of counterfeit anti-rabies vaccines and materials used for their falsification.
The operation, undertaken pursuant to a duly issued search warrant following surveillance and intelligence validation, uncovered the illegal manufacture and distribution of falsified vaccines. Evidence establishes deliberate intent to counterfeit through relabeling and misrepresentation. Seized items included sticker labels, hologram adhesive tapes, vaccine cartons, unlabeled vials, and diluents used to misrepresent the identity and legitimacy of the products.
Clear violations in cold chain management were likewise documented, compromising the safety, quality, and efficacy of the vaccines. These acts pose serious risks to public health, including treatment failure and potential loss of life.
The accused were taken into custody and committed to the NBI Detention Facility, and criminal charges for violations of Republic Act No. 9711or The Food and Drug Administration Act of 2009 and Republic Act No. 8203 or Special Law on Counterfeit Drugs, were thereafter filed.
The FDA reiterates that such acts constitute serious offenses subject to full regulatory and criminal enforcement.
Health facilities are hereby advised to procure vaccines strictly from FDA-licensed distributors and pharmacies, and to exercise due diligence in verifying procurement documents and ensuring product traceability.