The Cordova Municipal Government has launched an investigation after hazardous medical waste was discovered dumped on a vacant lot in Barangay Alegria, raising concerns over possible risks to public health and the environment.
Mayor Cesar “Didoy” Suan ordered authorities to identify those responsible for the improper disposal and warned that violators would face legal consequences.
“Kung si kinsa ka man nga nagpataka og labay niining basura, pangandam na lang kay ikaw amoang gukoron ug silotan hangtod sa kinatas-ang hukom sa balaod,” Suan said.
The mayor said the incident goes beyond ordinary waste disposal concerns, stressing that improperly discarded medical waste could expose residents to infectious materials and hazardous substances.
The municipal government reminded healthcare facilities that medical waste must undergo proper handling, transport, treatment, and disposal to prevent harm to communities and the environment.
Authorities cited Republic Act No. 6969, or the Toxic Substances and Hazardous and Nuclear Wastes Control Act of 1990, which penalizes the illegal handling, transport, and disposal of hazardous wastes.
Violators may face imprisonment and fines depending on the severity of the offense.
The local government also reminded hospitals, clinics, laboratories, and other healthcare establishments to strictly follow healthcare waste management protocols.
It cited Joint DENR-DOH Administrative Order No. 02, Series of 2005, which allows the Department of Health to suspend, cancel, or deny renewal of licenses and accreditations of healthcare facilities that fail to comply with waste management standards.
The Environmental Management Bureau (EMB), meanwhile, may issue notices of violation, impose administrative penalties, and revoke permits related to the transport and treatment of hazardous waste.
Authorities have yet to determine the source of the dumped medical waste as the investigation continues.
The Cordova government urged residents to report illegal dumping activities involving hazardous materials and assured that monitoring efforts would be strengthened in areas vulnerable to improper waste disposal.
The municipal government said it will coordinate with concerned agencies to identify those behind the incident and prevent similar cases.
Photo courtesy of Municipality of Cordova
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