Mandaue City Authorities Ramp Up Anti-Dumping Campaign Following CCTV Evidence
In a decisive move to combat environmental violations, authorities in Mandaue City have accelerated their campaign against illegal dumping after closed-circuit television (CCTV) cameras recorded a multicab discarding a full load of garbage in a residential area of Barangay Casuntingan. The incident, which occurred on April 11 at 7:00 PM, has sparked widespread concern and prompted calls for immediate action from local officials.
Councilor Del Mar Demands Comprehensive Investigation
Councilor Jennifer Del Mar, chairperson of the Committee on City Assets and Properties, has urged a deep investigation into the matter, emphasizing the serious implications for public health and environmental protection. "From what we saw, a multicab stopped in Barangay Casuntingan near the church and dumped a full load of garbage. It was very disappointing because the area was clean," Del Mar stated. She highlighted that such actions are unfair to residents, as the contents of the garbage could pose health risks, and described the act as brazen and disrespectful to the city's cleanliness efforts.
Del Mar pointed out that the city government has been working tirelessly to maintain cleanliness despite challenges, including the closure of the Binaliw landfill and the lack of a permanent waste disposal solution. To address this incident, she has directed the Mandaue City Environment and Natural Resources Office to expedite the investigation to determine if similar violations have occurred in other barangays. "We want to make sure this is not something they have been doing repeatedly. They may have done this before without being caught," she added, underscoring the need for vigilance.
Barangay Captain Highlights Ongoing Illegal Dumping Issues
In a separate telephone interview, Barangay Captain Jose Ronnie Ranile of Casuntingan revealed that illegal dumping has been a persistent problem in their area, particularly involving household waste and construction debris. "In Barangay Casuntingan, we have recorded many instances of illegal dumping, especially debris. That is why we installed CCTV cameras in areas where violations often happen," Ranile explained. He noted that suspects often assume garbage will be collected the next day, but the barangay's schedule for biodegradable waste pickup is only on Wednesdays and Thursdays.
Ranile confirmed that the driver and helper involved in the incident have already been issued a citation ticket and an environmental sanitation notice of violation. Both individuals are residents of Casuntingan, adding a local dimension to the enforcement efforts. Del Mar has also advocated for proper sanctions against those found guilty, stating, "There must be proper sanctions against the driver and those involved. This kind of behavior has no place in our city. People must respect Mandaue."
The incident serves as a stark reminder of the ongoing challenges in waste management and the importance of community cooperation in upholding environmental standards. As investigations proceed, authorities aim to send a clear message that illegal dumping will not be tolerated, with potential repercussions for violators to deter future offenses.
