Landfill operations resume

The operations of the controversial garbage dumpsite in Rodriguez town in Rizal was back to normal yesterday after suspended Mayor Pedro Cuerpo voluntarily dismantled barricades erected along the access road leading to the landfill.

Cuerpo ordered the clearing up of the barricades after meeting with Interior Secretary Ronaldo Puno and officials of the Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA).

“The operation of the Rodriguez landfill is back to normal. Mayor Cuerpo cleared the area of any roadblock as per agreement with Sec. Puno,” said Calabarzon police director Chief Superintendent Ricardo Padilla. Padilla said Puno apprised him of the situation and directed him that the use of force is not necessary in dismantling the barricades.

Because of Puno’s order, Padilla ordered elements of the Rizal police provincial office to leave the area. “However, my men will continue to monitor the area until the landfill operations return to its former status,” said Padilla.

When reached by The Star, Rizal Gov. Casimiro Ynares lll said if the report is true, he’s thankful to Mayor Cuerpo for his actions that prevented a garbage crisis in Metro Manila. The supporters of Cuerpo have been barricading the access road leading to the landfill for at least seven days yesterday.

“I’m thanking Mayor Cuerpo for following the legal way in solving the landfill issue instead of resorting to parliament of the streets,” said Ynares lll.

The Rodriguez and the Rizal provincial governments are fighting over control of the landfills, which is hosting Metro Manila’s 8,000 metric tons of garbage daily.

The Rizal provincial government meted a 60-days suspension against Cuerpo for charging excessive fees to garbage haulers. Cuerpo got back by approving a municipal resolution ending Rodriguez hosting of the twin landfills.

Acting Rodriguez Mayor Jonas Cruz said he also received reports that the landfill operations would be back to normal in the coming days. He said he received word that Cuerpo’s suspension will be lifted tomorrow.