Capitol to check ‘dumping of wastes’

THE Cebu provincial government will verify reports that ships are allegedly dumping human waste into the sea off Sta. Fe, Bantayan island.

Vice Governor Agnes Magpale told reporters that she and Governor Hilario Davide III will visit the island on June 25 to investigate the claim of Sta. Fe Mayor Jose Esgana of human waste found floating

in their waters were from passenger vessels operating without septic tanks.

“We will conduct our own assessment because there are complaints from beach resort owners and other locals nga hugaw kuno kaayo ang dagat. We will be conferring with the mayor,” she said.

Last month, residents reported seeing human waste floating in their waters.

Esgana had expressed apprehension that  their tourism industry might be affected.

Last week, the Regional Environmental Management Bureau (EMB-7) took water samples from Sta. Fe and its neighboring areas.

Results are expected to be released next week.

Weniel Azcuna, Cebu station commander of the Philippine Coast Guard, earlier said they will also investigate the report.

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