Mabolo Barangay Captain Slams Mayor Over Waste Site Reversal, Halting Garbage Collection
Mabolo Barangay Captain Daniel Francis Arguedo launched a public criticism against Mayor Nestor Archival on Friday, February 20, 2026, accusing the mayor of creating a neighborhood crisis by suddenly revoking permission for a waste management site in Block 27 of the North Reclamation Area (NRA). Arguedo claimed that the abrupt change of heart has forced a complete stop to garbage collection in Mabolo, with services expected to remain frozen until Monday, February 23.
Conflict Over Block 27 Waste Site
The dispute centers on Block 27, a site that Arguedo stated had been agreed upon for Mabolo's waste management activities following tensions on Wednesday, February 18. However, City Hall instructed Mabolo truck drivers to cease using the site that same night, leading to conflicting accounts from both sides. Arguedo expressed frustration in a social media post, stating, "Naliso napod ang utok sa atong mayor. Gabii ni-okay na sa Block 27, karon wala napod. Resulta ani, stop atong collection sa basura" (Our mayor has lost his mind again. Last night, the Block 27 was settled, but now it has changed. As a result, our garbage collection has stopped).
Divergent Views on the Situation
Arguedo insisted that the barangay uses Block 27 for shredding, composting, and sorting trash, with his trucks carrying properly segregated waste. In contrast, Mayor Archival argued that the site was never intended as a permanent dump and reported that City Hall staff observed five or six trucks attempting to dump unsegregated trash, violating city regulations. Arguedo countered this claim by noting that Mabolo only has two operational trucks, questioning the mayor's account.
Health and Safety Concerns Raised by Barangay Council
In response to the crisis, the Mabolo Barangay Council passed a formal resolution on Friday opposing the use of Block 27 as a general dumping ground. The council warned of severe health and environmental risks, including:
- Foul odors and pest infestations threatening residential areas.
- Potential spread of diseases and contamination of water sources.
- Increased flooding risks due to improper waste disposal.
The resolution demands that the city halt operations at Block 27 unless the barangay provides official clearance, emphasizing the need for community protection.
Proposed Solutions and Calls for Unity
To address the mounting trash pile-up, Councilor Harry Eran, chair of the public services committee, is intervening by collaborating with the Department of Public Services. Eran aims to explore temporarily relocating Mabolo's garbage to the South Road Properties (SRP), attributing the entire situation to a "miscommunication" with the mayor's office. Meanwhile, Mayor Archival called for an end to political fighting, highlighting Cebu City's broader garbage crisis of 500 tons daily. He urged residents and officials to focus on stricter waste segregation to reduce costs and maintain cleanliness, admitting the city is in "crisis mode" due to truck shortages and poor scheduling.
