Two women, believed to be suppliers of abortion pills, were arrested in a buy-bust operation in Quiapo, Manila, on Wednesday evening, February 26.
Authorities say the women were caught after being tracked by police in a follow-up operation.
According to PLt Col John Guiagui, head of the Manila Police District (MPD) Intelligence Division, the suspects were identified as Miriam dela Cruz, 70, a former barangay official from Caloocan, and Desiree, 37, a resident of Serrano St, 6th Ave, Caloocan City.
PCapt Joel Aquino, team leader of the MPD District Intelligence Division, reported that the two women were apprehended after receiving information about their illegal activities in supplying Cytotec tablets, commonly used for abortion, in the Quiapo area.
Authorities emphasized that the sale, use, and supply of Cytotec tablets are strictly prohibited in the Philippines.
Due to the illegal activity, the two suspects now face charges for violating the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) Act under Republic Act No. 9711 of 2009.
The police confiscated three blister packs of Cytotec tablets from the suspects during the operation.
Both women are now under detention.
