THE owner of a privately operated dialysis and diagnostic center in Bogo City in northern Cebu is facing environmental penalties for the improper disposal of hazardous medical waste. The waste was discovered dumped along a roadside in Barangay Libjo, Tabogon, on Tuesday, June 24, 2025.
According to the Department of Environment and Natural Resources–Environmental Management Bureau (DENR–EMB) 7, the establishment failed to present proper disposal permits and documentation during their investigation.
A notice of violation will be issued to the facility owner, who may face fines ranging from P10,000 to P50,000, depending on the gravity of the violation under Republic Act 6969, or the Toxic Substances and Hazardous and Nuclear Wastes Control Act of 1990.
A technical conference is scheduled for next week to allow the respondent to explain and present compliance records.
At least 10 yellow plastic bags containing used syringes, dialysis tubing and blood collection tubes were discovered in a secluded roadside area near schools and homes in Barangay Libjo.
Tabogon Mayor Francis Salimbangon called the incident “very alarming” and immediately directed the Municipal Council and police to investigate and pursue charges.
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In an interview with SunStar Cebu on Friday, June 27, Ken Pajayat, chief of EMB 7’s Chemical and Hazardous Waste Section, said their personnel traced the waste to the Bogo-based healthcare facility. This was based on a field investigation and coordination with the Tabogon Municipal Sanitary Health Office on Wednesday, June 25.
Pajayat added that the medical waste has already been safely retrieved and transferred to a designated temporary storage facility while authorities complete their investigation and prepare for possible treatment and disposal in accordance with national protocols.
He said they are still finalizing their investigation report and refrained from disclosing all details until the notice is formally served.
Pajayat emphasized that healthcare facilities generating hazardous waste are required to follow strict procedures, including proper labeling, handling, temporary storage and disposal through DENR-accredited treatment, storage and disposal (TSD) facilities.
“These kinds of waste can’t be treated like regular garbage. They carry biological and chemical risks and should never end up in landfills or open areas,” Pajayat said. “The facility is responsible from cradle to grave, from the moment the waste is generated up to the point it’s properly treated and documented,” he added.
When asked whether the Department of Health (DOH) has been involved, the EMB clarified that while DOH has its own mandate, the EMB is in charge of monitoring and regulating hazardous waste under environmental laws.
Pajayat stressed that every waste generator must secure a certificate of treatment from the TSD facility as proof of proper disposal. The lack of such documentation places full accountability on the generator, in this case, the facility’s owner or managing doctor.
This is not the first time a facility in Cebu has violated medical waste disposal rules.
Pajayat said a similar case occurred previously in Lapu-Lapu City, involving hospital waste that was also mishandled. In both instances, he noted, negligence by facility staff or a lack of proper waste management protocols were contributing factors.
Pajayat also acknowledged the residents of Barangay Libjo for immediately reporting the incident, which helped authorities contain the environmental risk.
He reminded local government units (LGUs) that while the EMB oversees regulation and enforcement, LGUs are also responsible for monitoring business permit holders, including healthcare facilities.
“Monitoring and accountability should be shared. We urge LGUs to be proactive in checking if clinics and hospitals in their areas are complying with waste management laws,” he said.
The final investigation report will be released after the technical conference, along with formal actions based on the facility’s response and EMB 7’s findings, Pajayat said. / CAV