7 arrested in QC for dumping expired hospital supply

A driver and six others were nabbed on Monday after dumping expired medical supply in a creek in Barangay Commonwealth, Quezon City.

A "24 Oras" report by GMA News' Cesar Apolinario identified the suspect as Emmanuel Dignos and six garbage collectors who allegedly conspired with him.

"Pinakalat ni Kapitan 'yung number niya para kung sakaling may mga ganitong pangyayari, maitawag. Ito nga meron tayong isang concerned citizen na tumawag kay Kapitan para isumbong itong pagtatapon ng basura sa may creek mismo," said barangay official Julius dela Cruz.

Dignos defended himself, saying he just followed the orders of the supervisor maintaining a medical supplies store to dispose the expired syringes, test tubes, catheters and bandages.

He added that he planned to throw the items in Payatas, however, he was advised that only big trucks can enter the area.

"Ang sabi sa amin naman nung lalaki, bigyan daw namin sila ng isang libo, kakalkalin muna nila 'yung karton," Dignos said.

The garbage collectors denied the allegation.

"Hindi po kami humarang po niyan, nagtulong lang po kami magbaba nung ano... nung karton lang po," one garbage collector said.

The suspects are facing complaints on violation of the presidential Decree No. 825 or the law providing penalty for improper disposal of garbage and other forms of uncleanliness.

Meanwhile, barangay officials plan to bury the expired medical supplies. — Anna Felicia Bajo/BAP, GMA News