The city government here in Cebu is keen on filing a case over the dumping of infectious waste into the sea over the weekend.
A netizen earlier posted photos of the infectious waste at sea, which included syringes, vials, needles and other medical waste.
The local disaster risk reduction and management office has cleaned up the trash along the shore of Barangay Pusok. City health officer Agnes Realiza said authorities will take an inventory of the medical waste and properly dispose of the items.
Most of the waste had tags on them such as Chong Hua Hospital and Ignacio Cortes General Hospital. This will be their lead in the investigation, said Realiza.
The government wants to file charges for violating the Toxic Substances and Hazardous and Nuclear Waste Control Act of 1990.
In a statement posted on its online page, Chong Hua Hospital said it outsources the disposal of its biohazard waste to Davao City Environmental Care, Inc., a firm that is accredited and authorized by the Department of Environment and Natural Resources.
“Upon hearing the news, Chong Hua Hospital has already initiated an investigation and will work closely with DENR and other concerned government agencies,” it said.
The other hospital involved is yet to issue a statement.
