Mandaue City Authorities Ramp Up Efforts to Combat Illegal Dumping Incident
In a bold move to uphold environmental standards, authorities in Mandaue City are intensifying their campaign against illegal dumping following a disturbing incident captured on CCTV. A multicab was recorded unloading a full load of garbage in the clean residential area of Barangay Casuntingan, sparking urgent calls for stricter sanctions and a comprehensive investigation.
Public Health and Environmental Concerns Raised
Jennifer Del Mar, chairperson of the Committee on City Assets and Properties, expressed grave concerns over the incident, highlighting its implications for public health, environmental protection, and the city's ongoing cleanliness initiatives. "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 emphasized the unfairness to residents, noting that the unknown contents of the waste could pose significant health risks. "You will never know what is inside that garbage. That is a health threat to the community," she added.
The incident occurred on April 11 at approximately 7 p.m., which Del Mar described as a brazen act. "Imagine, it happened at 7 p.m. That is still early. It only shows a lack of respect for the city," she remarked. She underscored the city government's persistent efforts to maintain cleanliness despite challenges, such as the closure of the Binaliw landfill and the absence of a permanent waste disposal solution. "The city is doing its best to keep Mandaue clean. Everyone is expected to do their part. Dumping garbage like this is an insult to our efforts," Del Mar asserted.
Investigation and Penalties Underway
Del Mar confirmed that the vehicle's plate number has been identified but is being withheld in official documents pending further investigation. She directed the Mandaue City Environment and Natural Resources Office to expedite the probe to determine if similar incidents 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 explained. Del Mar is advocating for appropriate penalties against those responsible. "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," she emphasized.
Barangay Response and Preventive Measures
In a phone interview, Barangay Captain Jose Ronnie Ranile of Barangay Casuntingan revealed that illegal dumping has been a persistent issue in the 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 said. According to him, the suspects admitted to dumping the garbage under the mistaken belief it would be collected the following day. Garbage collection for biodegradable waste in the barangay is scheduled every Wednesday and Thursday, with regular monitoring by authorities.
Ranile confirmed that the driver and helper have been issued a citation ticket and an environmental sanitation notice of violation, and they have been summoned for mediation. "I already called them, and they admitted what they did. They have been issued a ticket, and we required them to come to the barangay to comply with their obligations," he stated. Both individuals, residents of Casuntingan, have apologized for the incident. "They said sorry, especially since the area where they dumped the garbage is near a church and is used by many people. It is really an eyesore," Ranile added.
To prevent future occurrences, the barangay plans to install additional CCTV cameras in high-traffic areas and enforce environmental regulations strictly. "We will continue to monitor and penalize those who dump waste indiscriminately. This is for the good of everyone, not just a few," he affirmed. Authorities are now working to assess the full extent of the violation, including identifying the type of waste dumped, as part of ongoing efforts to hold perpetrators accountable and safeguard the community from further harm.
