Archival orders probe on alleged dumping of human waste in downtown canals

Local

A MULTI-AGENCY investigation will be conducted to look into allegations of improper waste disposal and restricted restroom access in downtown establishments in Cebu City.

The investigation is in response to a viral complaint involving human waste reportedly dumped into public canals.

Mayor Nestor Archival said on Monday, April 27, that he has directed the Cebu City Health Department (CCHD), Cebu City Environment and Natural Resources Office (CCENRO), and the Business Permit and Licensing Office (BPLO) to conduct a joint probe in the Colon and Carbon areas.

“Karon nag-issue ta og memorandum to City Health aron ilang i-survey and investigate ang report within Colon and Carbon… tinuod gyud nga naay mga establishment nga dili magpa gamit og CR sa mga empleyado, wala ta kabalo ngano, but daghan na nagsulti,” Archival said.

The mayor said the directive covers both sanitation concerns and possible labor-related violations, with a consolidated report expected within 15 days.

“Naghatag nako og memo that includes City Health, CCENRO, and BPLO—final report within 15 days. Ato na nang gi-actionan,” he added.

Moreover, Archival said the city is also consulting its legal office to determine appropriate penalties, noting that businesses are required to provide accessible comfort rooms.

“We are asking the City Legal unsay sanction… we understand gi-require ang mga establishment og comfort rooms, gi-studyhan na unsay possible sanctions,” he said.

He urged employers to ensure humane treatment of workers.

“Ang ato gyud awhag, atong hangyo, atong amumahon atong mga empleyado,” he said.

The investigation was prompted by a social media post from a concerned citizen who claimed to have witnessed an employee of a downtown establishment dumping what appeared to be urine into a roadside canal near Carbon Public Market.

The complainant said the liquid had a strong odor and alleged that some workers in the area are not allowed to use workplace restrooms, forcing them to relieve themselves in containers that are later emptied in public spaces.

The claims have not yet been independently verified by authorities, and the establishment involved has not been publicly identified.

The probe comes as the Cebu City Council recently approved amendments to the city’s waste management ordinance, strengthening enforcement and penalties amid ongoing concerns over garbage disposal.

City officials said the current investigation will also include a sanitary survey and an inventory of available comfort rooms in both public and private establishments in the affected areas.

Authorities are expected to submit findings and recommendations within the 15-day period, which will guide potential enforcement actions and policy responses.(TGP)