By Aaron Recuenco

A man claiming to have discovered a cure for the coronavirus disease (COVID-19) was arrested along with his son for allegedly selling the “medicine” to a police poseur-buyer in Navotas City.

Col. Julius Suriben, head of the police Anti-Cybercrime Group of the CALABARZON (Cavite, Laguna, Batangas, Rizal, Quezon), said the operation stemmed from a report they received about a cure for COVID-19 which is being sold on social media.

They traced the “medicine” to Ismael Aviso who claimed that his concoction can counter the effect of COVID-19.

Suriben and his men immediately mapped out an operation until they were able to transact with Aviso and his son Ismael Jr. through social media on March 21. The price given to them for the medicine was P7,500.

During the meet-up, the suspects allegedly presented a spray and other products which they said could cure COVID-19.

The two were collared after receiving the money on Sunday in their house in Dagat-Dagatan, Navotas City.

A background check revealed that the elder Aviso is an inventor credited for the Motionless Electric Generator.

Last year, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) warned against Aviso’s two products for falsely advertising that these could cure viral diseases, including dengue.

Criminal charges for estafa, violation of the provisions of the FDA Act and the law on cybercrime for allegedly advertising false claims online will be filed against the suspects.