MMDA: Anti-littering NCAP starts next week

MANILA, Philippines — The Metropolitan Manila Development Authority will begin arresting violators of anti-littering ordinances next week under the expanded no-contact apprehension policy (NCAP), MMDA general manager Nicolas Torre III announced yesterday.

Torre said the measure aims to boost local ordinances against improper solid waste disposal, especially along creeks in Metro Manila.

“As of now, local laws are implemented. If people dump trash in undesignated areas and barangay officials saw it, they will be apprehended,” Torre said.

“We will use artificial intelligence (AI) technology for the policies to be more consistent and uniform,” he added.

Under NCAP, Torre said AI cameras would be programmed around the clock to flag improper waste disposal.

“If there’s a monitored violation, our AI-powered camera will catch it,” Torre said. “There is an algorithm programmed for it to record the act.”

Around 450 NCAP cameras are stationed across Metro Manila, funded by an independent body, according to the MMDA.

Torre said MMDA personnel would review the closed-circuit television footage to verify the case of a violator.

Once confirmed, the MMDA will reach out to the concerned barangay to issue an environmental ticket to the violator, with corresponding fines.

Torre said the policy aligns with the discipline campaign of the national government on solid waste management.

“Based on our statistics, we have been collecting 7,000 tons of waste from creeks every year,” Torre said.

The MMDA will coordinate with the Metro Manila Council for the implementation of the expanded NCAP in local areas.

Torre clarified that the agency is not enforcing the policy to simply conduct surveillance, citing the MMDA’s goal to implement the law fairly among citizens.

“If you are a law-abiding citizen, you don’t have anything to worry about. But if you commit a violation, rest assured that there will be consequences,” Torre said.