By Yas D. Ocampo
DAVAO CITY – The Environmental Management Bureau (EMB) 11 has turned over containers of hazardous chemicals to the Fertilizers and Pesticides Authority (FPA) for proper disposal after it allegedly sent at least 40 people to a hospital earlier this week.
Nestor Patnugot, EMB 11 regional director, said the FPA is still compiling its report on the items, the rank odor of which they have already stabilized using lime.
Patnugot said FPA inspectors are now investigating the extent of damaged incurred by the chemicals on the soil where it was allegedly buried.
Earlier, the Bureau of Fire Protection (BFP) and Central 911 swooped down on Barangay Sasa after a concerned citizen reported a foul stench emanating from one of the houses in the area.
SFO2 Ramil Gillado said they immediately found the source of the reek, identified as Jalem 500 EC insecticides, placed inside a sack seemingly buried haphazardly in the vicinity.
The odor had nearby residents reportedly rushing to the Southern Philippines Medical Center for treatment, prompting its immediate removal.
Meantime, a taxi driver was killed in a suspected robbery at the ZRU Road, Barangay Mandug, Buhangin District 1:30 a.m., Wednesday.
The Davao City Police Office (DCPO) in a statement said that police are looking for a suspect in the killing of Erlindo Moreno, a driver of Mister Taxi, and a resident of Fr. Selga Street, Davao City.
The victim bled out from a wound through his neck.
Responders from Central 911 declared the victim dead on the spot.
