9 hours ago
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CEBU CITY — In a quiet lot near schools in Barangay Libjo, residents stumbled upon a disturbing sight — yellow plastic bags filled with used syringes, blood tubes and dialysis tubing, all dumped by the roadside.
The local government unit of Tabogon town in northern Cebu has launched an investigation and will summon representatives of a private medical laboratory in Bogo City allegedly linked to the hazardous waste.
The lab representatives are expected to appear during the Sangguniang Bayan session on Friday alongside three individuals who are willing to share information on the illegal dumping.
Tabogon Mayor Francis Salimbangon said the local government wants those responsible to appear and explain what happened.
He clarified, however, that they cannot yet confirm who is behind the incident as the investigation report is not yet final.
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The waste, considered infectious, was discovered on June 24 by residents in the barangay.
Some were packed in garbage bags, while others were scattered across a grassy area near an elementary and a high school.
The Tabogon Municipal Health Office and barangay officials confirmed that the waste came from a facility based in Bogo City.
Salimbangon described the situation as “very alarming,” pointing to the serious health risks posed to the community, especially the students.
The yellow bags indicated the items were classified as biomedical waste, which poses high risks of contamination and disease, according to health officials.
He also said the municipality intends to file charges, stressing that indiscriminate dumping of such hazardous material could endanger lives, particularly of children who regularly pass by the area.
“Dapat responsable ug maalamon sila sa proper disposal of waste, labi na gyud ang mga medical waste, kay kini adunay negatibong epekto sa panlawas sa komunidad (They should be responsible and knowledgeable about the proper disposal of waste, especially medical waste, as it can have negative effects on the health of the community),” the local government unit said in a social media post.
The collected waste has been secured by barangay officials as evidence.
The local police, Municipal Sanitary Office and Rural Health Unit are working together to trace the source and compile documentation to support legal action.
Salimbangon confirmed that he has already coordinated with the Philippine National Police for assistance in identifying those responsible.
He emphasized the need for strict enforcement to prevent future incidents of illegal dumping.
