The Municipal Government of Cordova is investigating the illegal dumping of medical waste—including used IV fluid bottles, tubing, and syringes—found on a vacant lot in Barangay Alegria after being reported on August 3, 2026.
An initial investigation by Julieta Tampus, head of the Municipal Environment and Natural Resources Office, revealed the waste originated from an aesthetic clinic and was abandoned by a hired tricycle driver.
Mayor Cesar “Didoy” Suan warned violators that they face criminal charges under Republic Act 6969, which carries penalties ranging from six months and one day to six years of imprisonment, along with fines and permit revocations.
A PILE of medical waste was illegally dumped on a vacant lot in Barangay Alegria, Cordova, prompting the Municipal Government to investigate the incident and warn those responsible that they could face criminal charges.
The discarded waste included used intravenous fluid bottles, intravenous tubing, syringes and other disposable medical supplies. The discovery raised concerns among local officials and residents about possible health risks and environmental contamination.
Julieta Tampus, head of the Municipal Environment and Natural Resources Office (Menro), said in a phone interview with SunStar Cebu on Thursday, Aug. 6, 2026, that the illegal dumping was reported on Monday, Aug. 3, after a hotel guest alerted the Cordova Rural Health Unit.
The waste, most of which consisted of syringes, tubes and vials, was cleared on the same day it was reported.
An initial investigation found that the waste came from an aesthetic clinic, although authorities have yet to identify the clinic’s location or owner. Information gathered by the Municipal Government indicated that a tricycle driver had been hired to dispose of the waste but instead dumped it on the vacant property.
Not the first time
The incident is the latest in a series of improper medical waste disposal cases reported in Cebu this year. Last April, used syringes and other clinical equipment were found dumped along a roadside in Barangay Cogon, Bogo City. The city health office cleared the waste the same day, but investigators were unable to identify those responsible because nearby security cameras were not functioning. In July, authorities in Balamban intercepted five barrels of hazardous hospital waste that were about to be illegally dumped into a creek in Barangay Lamesa.
Health and environmental risks
Medical waste requires special handling because it may contain infectious materials or hazardous substances that can endanger waste collectors, nearby communities and the environment if mixed with ordinary garbage or abandoned in open areas. Existing regulations require healthcare facilities to use accredited treatment and disposal providers for hazardous waste.
Improper disposal also increases the risk of injuries from contaminated sharps, the spread of infectious diseases, and pollution of waterways and coastal areas.
Investigation continues
Tampus said the town had not recorded any previous incidents of illegal medical waste dumping.
She said the police and various municipal department heads have joined efforts to trace the source of the waste. As of Thursday, however, investigators had not identified any individual or establishment responsible because the dumping site is isolated, has no nearby residents, no closed-circuit television cameras and no markings on the discarded materials that could help trace their origin.
Tampus said authorities are not ruling out the possibility that the waste came from outside Cordova, including neighboring towns or cities.
She also stressed that healthcare facilities in Cordova properly segregate hazardous waste and use designated hauling agencies for disposal. She added that the municipality has long implemented its solid waste management program.
Data on the volume or weight of the medical waste collected was unavailable as of press time.
Mayor warns violators
Mayor Cesar “Didoy” Suan said they would pursue those responsible for the illegal dumping and warned against treating the town as a dumping ground.
“We are warning them. I’m not saying ‘please,’ but again we warn you not to dump your garbage in Cordova. Your
garbage is your responsibility,” Suan said in Cebuano.
The mayor urged businesses and other waste generators to seek assistance from the Solid Waste Management Office if they encounter problems disposing of waste properly.
Suan said they would not tolerate similar incidents because improperly discarded medical waste threatens public health and could also contaminate Cordova’s coastal waters.
Penalties under the law
The Municipal Government said the Environmental Management Bureau (EMB) may issue notices of violation and revoke permits of those responsible for improper hazardous waste disposal.
Under Republic Act 6969, offenders may face six months and one day to six years of imprisonment, fines, and other administrative penalties, including suspension or revocation of permits and licenses. / DPC, ANV