DENR seeks explanation from Baste

Over waste dumping at Davao region office

MANILA, Philippines — The Department of Environment and Natural Resources is seeking an explanation from Davao City Mayor Sebastian ”Baste” Duterte over the dumping of mixed waste at the DENR Davao region office in Lanang.

The DENR also filed a criminal complaint against the owner of the vehicle used in the dumping.

In a letter dated June 15, DENR regional executive director Mercedes Dumagan requested Duterte’s clarification, noting that agency personnel intercepted some of the people who dumped the garbage.

Some of those intercepted allegedly pointed to the mayor’s June 4 post on social media identifying the compound as a temporary waste collection point.

The waste, believed to have included commercial refuse, was unsegregated and runs counter to the requirements of the Ecological Solid Waste Management Act.

“We are clarifying how these incidents came about and reiterating the importance of proper waste handling and compliance with established procedures,” Dumagan said.

She added that identifying collection points must follow the city’s approved solid waste management plan and the implementing rules and regulations of the waste management law.

“Our goal is to ensure that waste collection areas are properly designated and consistent with the city’s plan,” Dumagan said, noting that the DENR is coordinating with the Philippine National Police to help identify the trucks and other vehicles seen during the dumping incidents.

Duterte was given five days to respond to the DENR letter.

Aside from public vehicles, Dumagan said the DENR filed a separate complaint against the owner of a private vehicle seen on closed-circuit TV unloading sacks of mixed waste at the DENR office.

“We are addressing individual incidents, including the vehicle seen on video. These steps help ensure accountability while the city continues to manage the impacts of the landfill suspension,” she said.

Dumagan was referring to the temporary closure of the city’s landfill due to a trash-slide that led to the deaths of two people on May 20.