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NBI ARRESTS FAKE CHINESE DOCTOR IN ENTRAPMENT OPERATION

PASAY CITY, Philippines – On March 12, 2026, the National Bureau of Investigation - National Capital Region (NBI-NCR) arrested a Chinese national in Manila City for illegal practice of medicine.

The investigation was initiated following an intelligence report regarding a foreign national engaged in medical practice without the necessary credentials. To verify the report, NBI-NCR operatives conducted a surveillance mission where the Subject was observed performing physical examinations and making clinical diagnoses.

Investigation revealed that the Subject was caught in the act of illegally practicing medicine, specifically diagnosing and performing physical examinations on an undercover NBI agent posing as a patient. Formal verification with the Professional Regulation Commission (PRC) confirmed that the Subject is not a licensed physician, as records show he has not held an approved board certification or a Commission Resolution granting a special permit to practice in the Philippines since 1997.

The Subject was presented for inquest proceedings before the Manila City Prosecutor’s Office for violation of Republic Act No. 2382 (Medical Act of 1959).

NBI Director Atty. Melvin A. Matibag reiterated the Bureau’s hardline stance against fraudulent practitioners who endanger public health.

“The National Bureau of Investigation, steadfast in its mission to protect citizens, will diligently and relentlessly pursue those individuals who engage in these illegal practices,” Director Matibag stated. “We are committed to ensuring that such violators are brought to justice.”

Director Matibag further urged the public to exercise due diligence and verify the credentials of medical professionals through official PRC channels before seeking treatment.

[ADVISORY] IMPORTANT REMINDER ON PHILIPPINE CITIZENSHIP AND BALIKBAYAN PRIVILEGE

The Philippine Embassy in Washington D.C. wishes to remind Filipinos in the United States and the Caribbean that under Philippine law, natural-born Filipinos who became naturalized citizens of another country are deemed to have lost their Philippine citizenship and are regarded as former Filipinos, unless they take formal steps to reacquire Philippine citizenship.

Former Filipinos CANNOT use their old Philippine passports for travel or for other purposes, even if still valid, because they are considered foreigners and doing so would violate Philippine passport laws.

Under Republic Act No. 9225, former natural-born Filipinos who lost their Philippine citizenship by foreign naturalization may reacquire Philippine citizenship and become dual citizens. This allows them to get a Philippine passport, live in the Philippines indefinitely, own property without the restrictions applied to foreigners, exercise their right to vote, and enjoy the rights of Filipino citizens, subject to existing laws. Minor children of those who reacquire under R.A. 9225 may also derive Philippine citizenship and enjoy the same rights and privileges.

This is to be distinguished from cases where a person already held dual citizenship and later expressly renounced Philippine citizenship (for example, a dual Filipino-U.S. citizen who executed an affidavit of renunciation). Such cases are not covered by R.A. 9225 and therefore cannot reacquire Philippine citizenship under that law.

Former Filipinos who do not wish to reacquire Philippine citizenship may still travel to the Philippines without a visa and a return ticket, and stay for up to one (1) year under the Balikbayan visa-free privilege, subject to existing guidelines.

Former Filipinos who would like to reacquire their Philippine citizenship under R.A. 9225 may apply at the Embassy, Consulates, or at consular outreach missions. For more information, please visit philippineembassy-dc.org or contact your nearest Philippine Embassy (https://tinyurl.com/wdcpedirectory)/Consulate in the United States (https://tinyurl.com/yck559z8).

Chinese Man With Interpol Hit Intercepted By BI At NAIA | Journal Online A male Chinese national who is the subject of an Interpol alert was arrested upon arrival at the Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA) Terminal 3 last