Leyte: Three committees of the Leyte provincial board will investigate the shipment of hazardous medical waste from Mandaue City in Cebu to a facility in Isabel, Leyte. The tri-committees include the environment and natural resources, health, and disaster risk reduction, according to Leyte 5th District Board Member Carlo Loreto in an interview on Monday.

According to Philippines News Agency, Loreto said the shipment violated the environmental code of the province, which states that the provincial board must be informed first prior to the transport of hazardous waste. The official raised a motion for the conduct of an investigation, which was supported by members of the provincial board, citing possible environmental and health impacts on the people of the province.

Loreto emphasized the need to protect Leyte, highlighting its importance as a place of residence and livelihood for its inhabitants. He stated that medical waste generated within the province should be managed locally and not transported to other areas. Loreto also expressed confusion over why Cleanway Environmental Management Solutions Inc. opted to transport the waste to Leyte, given the existence of similar facilities in Consolacion, Cebu, as well as other facilities in Cebu City and Mandaue City.

The investigation will be conducted promptly, with invitations extended to officials of Cleanway Philippines Inc. and the Environmental Management Bureau (EMB) of the Department of Environment and Natural Resources to provide explanations. Loreto warned of potential legal actions if cooperation is not forthcoming from the relevant agencies.

In addition to the investigation, Loreto has filed a resolution urging the return of the medical waste to Mandaue. An initial report to the provincial board indicated that several medical waste items had already arrived at Cleanway's facility within the Leyte Industrial Development Estate (LIDE) in Isabel. This waste is part of over 300 drums of hazardous materials, including syringes, blood-soaked bandages, and other potentially infectious items, slated for treatment and secure disposal.

Upon the waste's arrival, the Municipal Environment and Natural Resources Office in Isabel conducted an inspection of the LIDE facility to assess its waste management practices. The local government also reviewed pertinent documents to ensure adherence to public safety and environmental protection standards.