A congressional resolution was filed Friday calling for an investigation into the illegal sale of kidneys and other internal organs.
“Many kidney donors, particularly those from vulnerable communities such as slums, are often unaware of the risks and side effects of the operation,” AGRI Party-List Rep. Wilbert Lee said.
On July 17, the National Bureau of Investigation arrested three individuals in San Jose del Monte, Bulacan for being involved in an alleged organ trafficking syndicate.
They implicated National Kidney Transplant Institute (NKTI) staff nurse Allan Ligaya, who remains at large, as the alleged leader of the illegal organ trade, while three doctors were also summoned by the NBI for participating in the blood matching of donors.
Reportedly, there were nine alleged victims who were lured with a payment of P200,000 in exchange for their kidneys.
“This may only be the tip of the iceberg,” the resolution stated.
The resolution underscored the need for the government to review its policies regarding organ donation to increase its numbers, which can discourage people from undertaking risky and illicit transactions.
According to the World Health Organization, the Philippines is recognized internationally as one of the global hotspots for organ trafficking, along with countries like India, Pakistan, China, Egypt, and Colombia.
Editor’s Note: This is an updated article. Originally posted with the headline House to probe illegal sale of kidneys and other internal organs
