On May 18, 2025, at about 4:00 PM in Baguio City, operatives of the Mountain Province Provincial Cyber Response Team (Mountain Province PCRT) conducted an entrapment operation that led to the arrest of a 34-year-old male suspect, alias “Berto,” for offering unauthorized dental services online.

The operation was launched following the proactive cyber patrolling efforts by the Mountain Province PCRT. During the patrolling, authorities discovered a Facebook post by “Berto” offering teeth brace installation for Php2,000.00, significantly lower than the standard rates charged by licensed dental professionals.

Further investigation revealed that the suspect had been engaged in these illegal services for more than a year, with operations reaching neighboring provinces. Authorities immediately coordinated with the Philippine Dental Association (PDA), which confirmed that the suspect is not a licensed dentist and has no legal authority to perform any dental procedures.

“Berto” is facing charges for violation of RA No. 9484 (Philippine Dental Act of 2007), in relation to Section 6 of RA No. 10175 (Cybercrime Prevention Act of 2012).

The operation aligns with the directive of Police General Rommel Francisco D. Marbil, Chief of the PNP, to intensify both proactive and reactive actions against cybercrime and protecting the public in the digital environment. Police Brigadier General Bernard R. Yang, Acting Director of the PNP Anti-Cybercrime Group (ACG), commended the Team for the successful operation. “Providing dental services without a license is a serious risk to public health, especially when done online. The PNP ACG is firm in its mission to stop illegal practices that endanger lives and violate professional standards. We urge the public to verify a provider’s credentials before seeking medical or dental help online,” he said.