The National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) will go after persons behind the reported illegal sale of Covid-19 vaccines and vaccination slots in local government units.

A formal order from the Department of Justice will follow, Secretary Menardo Guevarra said on Monday.

“I have already given verbal instructions last Friday to NBI acting chief Eric Distor to order its cybercrime division and other relevant units to immediately investigate the alleged illegal sale of Covid-19 vaccines and/or vaccination slots, upon the request of MMDA (Metro Manila Development Authority) chair Benhur Abalos,” Guevarra told newsmen.

The Department of Health previously reiterated all vaccines only have emergency use authorization and cannot be sold commercially, more so if they are government-procured.

In separate statements, Mayors Francis Zamora of San Juan, Edwin Olivarez of Parañaque, and Menchie Abalos of Mandaluyong said investigations are being conducted in coordination with law enforcers regarding the alleged illegal sale.

The Philippine National Police and Department of the Interior and Local Government are likewise probing the issue. (PNA)