^

Nation

Obando residents stage fluvial protest vs Navotas dumpsite

- James Mananghaya -
OBANDO, Bulacan — Residents of this coastal town held a protest action in the form of a fluvial parade locally known as "libad" to protest the continuous operation of the Navotas-controlled dump facility in Barangay Tanza.

Some 15 bancas (boats) loaded with fisherfolk and residents from Barangay Binuangan milled around a larger fishing vessel where an ecumenical prayer service was held to protest the operation of the dumpsite, which they said has endangered their source of livelihood.

Ricardo de Armas, chair of the Pambansang Lakas ng Kilusang Pamalakaya sa Pilipinas-Bulacan (PAMALAKAYA-Bulacan), said that the seepage from the solid waste facility has started to empty into the river system, posing a serious threat to the marine ecosystem, destroying their source of livelihood.

The dumpsite is operated by a private firm, Philippine Ecological Systems Corp., which hauls garbage from the Navotas pier and brings them to the Tanza dumpsite, passing through the Binuangan River in Obando.

The residents had put up barricades to prevent the entry of barges which carry the garbage.

Clemente Bautista of the Kalikasan People’s Network for the Environment, said that the dumpsite is situated in a critical area.

Bautista said that should the Department of Environment and Natural Resources continue to give their complaint a cold shoulder, they will file a citizens’ suit against Environment Secretary Mike Defensor.

Obando Mayor Zoilito Santiago said that the local government is exhausting all legal means to address the problem, saying that they are working to bring the matter to the concerned government agencies.

vuukle comment

BARANGAY BINUANGAN

BARANGAY TANZA

BINUANGAN RIVER

BULACAN

CLEMENTE BAUTISTA OF THE KALIKASAN PEOPLE

DEPARTMENT OF ENVIRONMENT AND NATURAL RESOURCES

ENVIRONMENT SECRETARY MIKE DEFENSOR

KILUSANG PAMALAKAYA

NAVOTAS

OBANDO MAYOR ZOILITO SANTIAGO

PAMBANSANG LAKAS

  • Latest
  • Trending
Latest
Latest
abtest
Are you sure you want to log out?
X
Login

Philstar.com is one of the most vibrant, opinionated, discerning communities of readers on cyberspace. With your meaningful insights, help shape the stories that can shape the country. Sign up now!

Get Updated:

Signup for the News Round now

FORGOT PASSWORD?
SIGN IN
or sign in with