The Regional Anti-Cybercrime Unit 9 (RACU 9) conducted an entrapment operation on April 3, 2025, at 6:30 PM in Zamboanga City, that led to the arrest of a 19-year-old female, alias “Pepa” for unauthorized offering of dental services online.

The operation stemmed from the proactive cyber patrolling of RACU 9, wherein, on March 28, 2025, they discovered a Facebook post by “Pepa” offering dental services, including teeth brace installation for Php1,000.00 with free oral prophylaxis. RACU 9 immediately coordinated with the Philippine Dental Association, which later confirmed that she is not a licensed dentist and is not authorized to perform any dental procedures.

Operatives confiscated several medical tools and paraphernalia used for dental procedures, such as tweed pliers, mosquito forceps, and a periodontal chisel, among others. These items will be used as evidence in the prosecution of the case.

The suspect 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 strengthen cyber patrolling and take immediate legal action to ensure that cybercriminals are not operating on social media platforms. Police Brigadier General Bernard R. Yang, Acting Director of the PNP Anti-Cybercrime Group (ACG), commended RACU 9 for the success of entrapment operation. He added, “This arrest underscores the serious risks of unlicensed individuals offering unauthorized dental services online, such as teeth braces installation, which can cause harm to public health. We strongly urge the public to report any suspicious online offers of dental or medical services to the PNP ACG to prevent further harm and ensure legal action is taken.”