Manila police arrested a 70-year-old woman after she was caught selling alleged abortion drugs in front of Quiapo Church.
The operation was carried out by the Intelligence Division of the Manila Police District through a buy-bust sting, leading to the suspect’s arrest. Authorities said she had been involved in the sale of various abortion-inducing drugs. Her nephew was also apprehended.
Church staff reportedly tipped off authorities about the illegal activity. Initial investigations revealed that the elderly suspect, a former barangay official, had previously served jail time for selling unauthorized medications.
According to Plt. Col. John Guiagui, the suspect was arrested along with a foreign national allegedly involved in the illegal trade.
“She was caught again for the same violation, this time with a foreign national,” Guiagui told the media.
Reports indicate that the abortion drugs, including pills, were being sold for ₱1,000 to ₱3,500, with students making up a significant portion of the customers. Authorities also suspect that the arrested woman’s supplier was a foreign national married to a Filipina.
The suspects will face charges for violating the Food and Drug Administration Act of 2009.
