Waterworld apologizes to Talisay government

CEBU, Philippines — Waterworld Cebu Philippines Corporation has apologized to Talisay City officials and residents following reports linking a garbage hauling service it hired to an alleged illegal dumping incident, while maintaining that it never authorized or tolerated any unlawful disposal of waste.

In an official statement released on its Official Facebook page, the company extended its apology to Talisay City Mayor Gerald Anthony "Samsam" V. Gullas Jr., the Talisay City Government, and the people of Talisay, expressing regret for the concern and inconvenience caused by the incident.

"First and foremost, we extend our heartfelt apology to Hon. Mayor Gerald Anthony 'Samsam' V. Gullas Jr., the City Government of Talisay, and the people of Talisay City. We are deeply sorry for the concern, inconvenience, and disappointment this incident has caused," the company said.

Waterworld also emphasized that it shares the city's commitment to environmental protection, saying, "We stand with you in your commitment to protecting the environment, and we share that same responsibility."

The company clarified that the hauling contractor involved was only recently engaged “in good faith to collect, transport and properly dispose of accumulated waste in accordance with applicable laws and regulations”.

It stressed that it never instructed nor permitted the contractor to dump waste illegally and that it only learned of the alleged incident through public reports.

"At no point did Waterworld Cebu Philippines Corporation authorize, direct, or tolerate any unlawful disposal of waste. The Company only became aware of the alleged incident through public reports," the statement read.

Following the reports, the company said it immediately launched an internal investigation, attempted to contact the contractor, and pledged full cooperation with government authorities investigating the case.

Waterworld added that should the contractor be proven to have acted beyond the scope of its engagement or violated existing laws, the company would pursue "all appropriate legal and contractual remedies to ensure accountability."

The firm likewise maintained that the alleged incident does not reflect its long-standing environmental compliance, saying it has consistently complied with environmental laws and upheld responsible waste management throughout its years of operation.

It also committed to strengthening its internal processes and exercising greater diligence in hiring service providers while continuing to uphold its responsibility to both the communities it serves and the environment.

The statement came after Gullas announced that the city government had launched a full-scale investigation into an alleged illegal dumping operation after a wing van reportedly carrying tons of garbage from a known resort in Mandaue City was intercepted while allegedly attempting to unload its cargo in Sitio Tabok Sapa, Barangay Jaclupan.

According to Gullas, barangay officials caught the wing van in the act of allegedly dumping garbage and immediately reported the incident to authorities, prompting city officials and the Talisay City Police Office to investigate those involved.

"We immediately directed all concerned departments, in coordination with the Talisay City Police Office, to conduct a full and thorough investigation. We will not ignore this, and we will not allow anyone to escape accountability," Gullas said.

Based on the city's initial investigation, authorities identified contractor Jovanny Coyoca as the individual who allegedly hired a certain "Bimbo" to dispose of the garbage from the resort.

The city alleged that Bimbo later hired wing van driver Jerome Rivera to transport and dump the waste, while another individual identified only as "Niko" of Barangay Jaclupan allegedly instructed those involved to dispose of the garbage in Sitio Tabok Sapa after an earlier plan reportedly failed.

Gullas said Rivera and Coyoca are now in custody as authorities continue to determine the participation of other individuals.

The mayor also vowed to file the appropriate criminal, civil, and administrative cases against those found liable. (CEBU NEWS)