NBI probes ‘missing’ Sinovac jabs in Northern Samar

MANILA – The National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) is looking into reports of unauthorized use of Covid-19 vaccines from government stocks in Northern Samar.

Department of Justice (DOJ) Secretary Menardo Guevarra said on Monday the NBI has a standing order from the agency to investigate the sale or administration of Covid-19 vaccines outside the authorized channels of distribution.

“It (NBI) will be ready to assist the PNP (Philippine National Police) and the provincial board of Northern Samar in any investigation of the subject incident,” Guevarra said in a statement.

The DOJ received information that the provincial board of Northern Samar is investigating 15 doses of the Sinovac vaccine that were taken from the provincial vaccination center last month and brought to a private house.

According to the information received by the DOJ, 15 doses of the Sinovac vaccines were taken out of the Northern Samar Provincial Hospital, where the provincial vaccination center is located, on June 10 and allegedly brought to the house of an unnamed politician in the capital town of Catarman.

Maryjane Morales of the provincial vaccination team testified before the Northern Samar Provincial Board that 50 doses were scheduled for vaccination that day but only 35 were administered.

“There were no more people to vaccinate,” Morales said, adding that the vaccination team turned over the unused doses to Dr. Catherine Miral of the Provincial Health Office.