Dumping of hospital waste on Davao beaches ordered probed

DAVAO CITY, Philippines  – Mayor Rodrigo Duterte yesterday ordered a thorough investigation on the reported dumping of hospital waste along the coastal area in Talomo district here.

Reports said waste such as bottles of intravenous fluid, syringes, needles and vials were recently found buried in at least two beaches in Talomo.

Duterte ordered the filing of charges against those who would be found responsible for the offense. 

“These are dangerous. There’s a law that regulates the disposal of this garbage, he said.

Republic Act 9275 states that the disposal of potentially infectious medical waste into the sea is punishable with a fine of P200,000 per day of contamination and imprisonment.

The same law provides that violations resulting in serious injury and loss of life is punishable with 12 years imprisonment and a fine of P500,000 per day of contamination. 

The city health office is looking into reports that a doctor ordered the waste dumped in the  area. 

Two beach resorts have been ordered closed temporarily pending results of a water sampling that will be conducted in the area.