The Department of Health (DOH) has ordered an investigation on the illegal disposal of medical waste in Tabogon town, northern Cebu.

The medical waste found on a vacant lot by the roadside near two schools included collection tubes for blood sample, dialysis tubing, and pieces of syringe.

The illegal dumping of medical waste has reached the attention of Dr. Joshua Brillantes, regional director of DOH Central Visayas, who ordered an investigation.

DOH described the incident as a health hazard.

Brillantes called on health facilities to observe proper disposal of waste, especially medical waste. Erring health facilities may face penalties leading to revocation of license to operate and the appropriate case.

To recall, yellow garbage bags were found dumped by the roadside early morning on June 24, 2025, in Barangay Libjo.

Upon inspection, the yellow garbage bags contained medical waste.

In an initial investigation, the municipal government of Tabogon said it is possible that the medical waste came from a diagnostic clinic in adjacent Bogo City.

The Local Government Unit of Tabogon is determined to file a case against the culprits.

Meanwhile, the City Government of Bogo issued an official statement on the incident on June 25, 2025. 

“We have just secured a copy of the incident report. We are currently coordinating with Tabogon officials to be furnished with a copy of their investigation report to sufficiently identify the responsible establishment,” the statement read.

“Once the clinic is identified, we shall be giving show cause order for them to explain their side,” it added.