Man arrested for violation of waste management law

An employee of a fast-food chain was arrested by members of Cebu Environmental Sanitation Enforcement Team (CESET) for allegedly violating Republic Act 9003 otherwise known as the Solid Waste Management Act of 2000.

CESET chief Sammy Dy said Michael Derilon, a resident of F. Jaca, Inayawan, has violated the provision of RA 9003 when he was caught for "littering."

Municipal Trial Court in Cities Branch 1 Judge Monalila Tecson issued the arrest warrant against Derilon after he failed to appear in court to settle his penalties despite several summons. Derilon's arrest was entered into the blotter of Pardo Police Station.

"Mao ni kasagaran sa problema namo (kay) dili gyud sila motu-nga. In fact 99 percent sa among gikiha sa korte dili gyud motunga, so magsilbi ning lesson nila kun dili sila motunga, ang korte mo-isyu og bench warrant ug mahimo na sila dakpon," Dy said.

CESET has already filed over 100 criminal cases for violation of RA 9003 since its creation on July 1, 2005.

"Amo siya (Derilon) gi-servan sa bench warrant, so consider gyud siya nga arrested and this is the first time dunay gidakop tungod sa pag-hugaw-hugaw," Dy said.

Most of the 37 individuals apprehended by the CESET pay P500 as penalty. Dy said once the complaint is filed in court, the judge can impose P1,000 to P5,000 as penalty with one to six months imprisonment.

Meantime, CESET will celebrate its first anniversary on Saturday at the Metro Cebu Water District auditorium with Mayor Tomas Osmeña as guest speaker.

During the event, the City Hall will give awards to those who have complied with the solid waste management law. - Ramil V. Ayuman