'Local execs face raps for Irisan dump tragedy'

MANILA, Philippines -  Interior and Local Government Secretary Jesse Robredo yesterday said the investigation into the Irisan dump tragedy in Baguio City last week would determine the liability of local government officials.

 “We are looking into the accountability of local officials since the law holds them primarily responsible for solid waste management in their areas of jurisdiction,” Robredo said.

He said the results of the investigation would be released within the week.

“We are still in the process of investigation and we shall wrap up our probe before the end of the week,” Robredo said during the “Tapatan Roadshow on Full Disclosure Policy for the National Capital Region” held in Marikina City.

The DILG chief said the national government has not been remiss in its duty to remind local chief executives to comply with Republic Act 9003 or the Ecological Solid Waste Management Act, which mandates the closure of all open and controlled dumps.

Heavy rains spawned by typhoon “Mina” caused the collapse of the retaining wall of the Irisan dump, resulting in the avalanche of hundreds of tons of garbage that killed at least six people and buried several houses.