The secret hospitals offering criminals new faces

Kelly Ng from BBC News has reported on clandestine hospitals in the Philippines that are offering plastic surgery services to criminals. These illegal hospitals have been found with patient beds and a variety of medical equipment. One such hospital was discovered in Pasay City, where authorities seized tools for hair transplants, dental implants, and skin whitening IV drips. Police believe there are two more hospitals that are even larger. These facilities are allegedly helping individuals involved in online casinos and other illegal activities to evade arrest. During a raid in Pasay City, three doctors and a nurse, none of whom were licensed to work in the Philippines, were arrested. Authorities also found a hemodialysis machine, indicating that the hospital offered a range of medical treatments beyond plastic surgery.

The hospitals appear to be regular clinics from the outside, but inside they are equipped with advanced technology. They do not require proper identification, allowing fugitives and illegal immigrants to receive treatment. The existence of the illegal hospital in Pasay City was revealed through a tip-off. Online casinos, known as Pogos, flourished under former president Rodrigo Duterte, who maintained friendly relations with China. However, the current president, Ferdinand Marcos Jr, has initiated a crackdown on Pogos due to their criminal connections. In December 2022, immigration officials arrested a suspected Chinese mafia member who had undergone plastic surgery to avoid detection. This case may be linked to the underground hospitals.

The mayor of a town north of the capital, Alice Guo, has recently faced criticism after a Pogo scam center was discovered near her office. She has also been accused of being a spy for China following questions about her birth records. The secret hospitals in the Philippines are providing criminals with new identities through plastic surgery, enabling them to evade law enforcement. These illegal operations are part of a broader network of criminal activities associated with online casinos and other illicit enterprises. The authorities are working to shut down these facilities and bring those involved to justice.

The discovery of these clandestine hospitals highlights the lengths to which criminals will go to avoid capture. By offering advanced medical treatments, including plastic surgery, these facilities are helping individuals change their appearances and evade detection. The involvement of unlicensed medical professionals and the use of sophisticated technology underscore the seriousness of the issue. The Philippine government is taking steps to address the problem, but the challenge remains significant. The crackdown on Pogos and other illegal activities is part of a broader effort to improve the country's image and reduce crime. The authorities are determined to dismantle these networks and ensure that those responsible are held accountable.