Unregistered septic waste hauler caught

CEBU, Philippines — Stepping up its surveillance against unregistered septic waste haulers, the Cebu City Environment and Natural Resources Office (CCENRO) entrapped Richel Siphoning Services last Thursday morning along Balagtas Street in Barangay Pahina Central.

The operator was caught using a delivery-type van to transport human waste without accreditation, a violation of the city's septage management rules.

Joseph Agbalog, focal person of CCENRO's Septage Division, said the vehicle's design was a clear breach of the standards under the Implementing Rules and Regulations (IRR).

“Dili ni siya mao ang standard. Kinahanglan walay cover para makita dayon nga septic hauler. Kani murag kargahanan sa karne, abi namo chichiria ang sulod. Lisod kaayo ma para kung ingon ani ang hitsura,” Agbalog explained, stressing that septic haulers must be visibly identifiable and properly labeled.

Aside from the lack of accreditation, CCENRO head Engr. Editha Peros outlined to THE FREEMAN the other violations committed by the hauler, which were anchored on Section 17 of Cebu City's Septage Management Ordinance.

The law requires a Manifest Receipt whenever domestic sludge and septage are transported to a treatment facility.

This receipt must contain key details such as the origin of the sludge, the client's name and address, the date and time of collection, the source of the waste, the estimated volume, and the identities of the desludgers, including the operator, company, vehicle capacity, plate number, and driver's name.

It must also be authenticated by the barangay where the waste was collected, carried in the vehicle during transport and disposal, and verified at the Septage Treatment Facility before a customer's copy is issued.

The hauler, authorities noted, failed to comply with these requirements, including the submission of a CCENRO copy for monthly reports and the facility's obligation to provide verified receipts as part of its own reporting.

The violations, combined with the operator's lack of accreditation, brought the total penalty to P14,000, including the penalty for failure to manifest.

As a first-time violator, the operator was issued a warning but was reminded that repeat offenses could lead to formal cases being filed.

“Kon gusto silang mu continue sa ilang business, kinahanglan ipatangtang ni. Illegal gyud ni siya kay wala ni niagi sa among opisina,” Agbalog added.

The hauler was also alleged to have disposed of collected waste in different parts of Cebu City, but Peros clarified that such reports remain unverified.

“Wala pa kay ang ilang ingon dalhon man daw nila sa Negros… Kana maoy among bantayanan ug asa ni sila dapita naglabay,” she said, noting that CCENRO continues to monitor their activities.

CCENRO said that only 12 septic waste haulers are duly accredited in Cebu City, while six unregistered operators continue to operate.

Accordingly, many residents still opt for these illegal haulers because they charge lower service fees despite the risks of contamination.

Agbalog urged residents to report suspicious vehicles to CCENRO for immediate action.

“Lisod kaayo kay daghan maadto sa sapa. Sige mig limpyo sa sapa, pero hugaw gihapon. Makaon nato ang hugaw,” he warned.

CCENRO vowed to sustain Cebu City's septage management program, warning that repeat offenders will face legal action.

Authorities emphasized that proper waste disposal is critical to preventing contamination of rivers and markets, thereby protecting public health and sanitation. (CEBU NEWS)