Five barrels of hospital waste were seized by authorities in Balamban town, western Cebu, after police said the materials were set for dumping into a creek at 9:30 p.m. Monday, July 6, 2026, in Barangay Lamesa. The driver, Antoniet Baynar Sillar, 31, a resident of the barangay, was arrested by Balamban police officers and now faces criminal charges.
Operation Against Illegal Activities
Balamban Police Station chief Maj. Ian Macatangay said law enforcement officers, along with personnel from the Municipal Environment and Natural Resources Office, conducted the deployment to counter illegal quarrying and the unauthorized sale of sand and gravel. During the monitoring setup, officers spotted the truck emitting a pungent smell, prompting the team to stop and inspect the vehicle.
Discovery of Medical Waste
Inside the truck bed, investigators discovered five barrels filled with medical waste, which police traced to a maternity hospital in Mandaue City. The deployment team requested the driver to present transport and disposal permits for the hazardous materials, but his failure to produce documentation led to his arrest.
Health Risks Highlighted
Macatangay said the dumping attempt by the driver and the vehicle operator posed severe health risks to the public. The incident underscores the dangers of improper disposal of hazardous waste, which can contaminate water sources and spread diseases.
