On July 21, 2025, at about 4:45 PM in San Jose Gusu, Zamboanga City, operatives of the Regional Anti-Cybercrime Unit 9 (RACU 9) of the Philippine National Police (PNP) Anti-Cybercrime Group, (ACG) conducted an entrapment operation that led to the arrest of a 21-year-old, alias “Kate,” for offering unauthorized dental services online.

The operation was initiated following the proactive cyber patrolling of RACU 9, wherein they found a Facebook post of the suspect offering do-it-yourself dental braces with prices ranging from Php500.00 to Php1,000.00.

The investigation revealed that “Kate” was a former dentistry student who learned dental procedures during her study. She admitted to offering the illegal services since 2018, despite lacking a professional license to practice dentistry.

“Kate” is facing charges for violation of Section 33 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 was in line with the directive of Police General Nicolas D. Torre III, Chief of the PNP, to strengthen cyber patrolling and take immediate legal action to ensure that cybercriminals do not have a place on social media platforms.

Police Brigadier General Bernard R. Yang, Acting Director of the PNP ACG, commended the Unit for the successful operation. “Unlicensed medical services online endangers public health and trust. The PNP ACG strongly warns individuals against posing as professionals without the proper authority. We remain firm in our mission to protect the public from these deceptive and dangerous practices,” he said.