Sasa wharf x-ray ‘poses no risk’

THE Department of Health (DOH) vouched once more for the safety of an x-ray machine inside Sasa wharf in Davao City, saying it poses no risk to port workers and residents nearby.

In a decision dated March 9, the Bureau of Health Devices and Technology (BHDT) of the DOH dismissed the motion for reconsideration filed by the counsel of Acquarius Container Yard owner Rodolfo Reta that contested the issuance of a license to operate a mobile linear accelerator x-ray scanner inside the Sasa wharf to the Bureau of Customs (BOC).

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The fact-finding results of the BHDT-DOH said the radiation doses obtained outside the perimeter fence are below the dose limit for the general public and will not pose a health hazard to informal settlers and to the workers inside the wharf.

“We see no danger to public health from the operation of the linear accelerator x-ray scanner of the BOC. Therefore, your motion for reconsideration is hereby denied,” Agnette Peralta, director of BHDT-DOH, said in her decision.

In an earlier interview with Sun.Star Davao, BOC-Port of Davao District Collector Anju Nereo Castigador said Reta has been hurling all allegations with regard the x-ray machine’s safety as it will be adverse to the operations of his business.

The rift between Reta and the BOC continue to rage on with a slew of allegations hurled by both camps and a string of cases filed against each other.

The legal counsel of Reta has vowed to exhaust all legal means to get a favorable decision on the matter, while BOC Commissioner Napoleon Morales has rescinded the memorandum of agreement between Reta and the bureau. (CPM)