Council wants illegal dumping probed

CEBU, Philippines — The Mandaue City Council has approved a resolution yesterday, April 13, directing an investigation by the Mandaue City Environment and Natural Resources Office (MCENRO) into reports that a multicab carelessly dumped garbage in an open area in Barangay Casuntingan.

The approved resolution formally directs the MCENRO and Barangay Casuntingan officials to conduct a thorough and impartial investigation into the alleged illegal dumping incident that occurred at around 7 P.M. last April 11, along L.C. Cabrera Street near Gethsemane Church.

In an interview with City Councilor Jennifer del Mar yesterday, she said the incident poses serious health and environmental risks.

Del Mar, who authored the resolution, said that the act is an insult to the city, especially as it continues its efforts to maintain cleanliness. The issue has allegedly raise concerns among local officials and residents.

“We really felt bad kay the area was very clean unya labayan lang og basura,” Del Mar said.

She noted that authorities have yet to determine the type of waste and its origin.

Del Mar emphasized that the contents of the garbage could pose significant health hazards. She said the situation is unfair to the barangay and its residents, as they are exposed to unknown risks.

The city government, through MCENRO, is extending assistance to Barangay Casuntingan to ensure a thorough investigation.

“We are investigating to make sure nga wala g’yud ni nila regularly nga ginabuhat sa barangay,” Del Mar said, adding that the investigation may reveal whether or not the dumping has been happening for some time and was only recently discovered through CCTV footage.

Barangay authorities have already identified the vehicle involved in the incident.

Del Mar cited the difficulties faced by the city, particularly after the closure of the Binaliw Landfill, which has made garbage disposal more challenging. However, she noted that various offices and departments continue to do their part in addressing the issue. That is why, for her, the recent illegal dumping of garbage is such an insult to the city.

“Kanang labayan lang kag basura nga ingon ana is such an insult for us,” she said.

She stressed the need for accountability and proper sanctions against those responsible.

“It is so easy for them to dump waste, 7 P.M., sayo pa kaayo, it means to say wala siyay respeto sa siyudad… dili na siya pwede sa syudad, respetoa among siyudad,” she added.

The resolution highlights the local government’s commitment to environmental protection, public health, and proper solid waste management. It also mandates the identification of the white multicab vehicle involved, those responsible, and the circumstances surrounding the incident. — (FREEMAN)