Environmental groups shut down Manila Bay dump site

MANILA, Philippines - Environmental groups on Thursday morning shut down an illegal dump site operating along the shores of Manila Bay.

Members of Greenpeace Southeast Asia, crew from the ship Esperanza, and of EcoWaste Coalition secured mooring lines across Pier 18’s sea access, preventing the entry and exit of the dump’s trash barges.

After closing the illegal dumpsite, the activists displayed banners that read “This dumpsite is now closed” and “Stop ocean destruction.”

The groups are calling for the immediate closure of the dump site, as well as for its clean-up and rehabilitation.

"It is completely unacceptable that this garbage dump continues to operate with impunity when it blatantly violates Philippine laws,” Aileen Lucero, national coordinator of EcoWaste Coalition, said.

“We are demanding all concerned agencies and local government units, particularly the city of Manila, to follow through and close down Pier 18 as well as all similar dump sites, permanently," she added.

Vince Cinches, Greenpeace Southeast Asia Oceans campaigner, said the closure of Pier 18 is thee first step to rehabilitate Manila Bay.

The groups said that the presence of the Pier 18 dumpsite exacerbates the pollution problem in Manila Bay.

The facility violates existing laws such as the Ecological Solid Waste Management Act, the Clean Water Act and the Clean Air Act, the groups added.

They noted that the facility's operation contradicts the Supreme Court decision, ordering the expeditious clean-up of Manila Bay.

“Each year, the government spends millions in trying to clean up Manila Bay. But a big part of the problem is illegal waste dumps," Lucero said.