Rizal landfill collapse probe urged

THE Rizal provincial government called on the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) to immediately investigate the collapse of a portion of the Green Leap Sanitary Landfill in Rodriguez town on Friday.

In a Feb. 20 letter to Environment Secretary Raphael P.M. Lotilla, Rizal Governor Nina Ricci A. Ynares also requested remedial measures from the private landfill operator to prevent further risks to nearby communities.

The urban poor group Kalipunan ng Damayang Mahihirap earlier said about 50 individuals remain missing after the collapse of a portion of the landfill operated by International Solid Waste Integrated Management Specialist, Inc.

The Rodriguez municipal government, in a statement dated Feb. 22, confirmed that three persons are missing following an initial investigation.

The DENR Environmental Management Bureau (EMB) said in a statement on Sunday that it is closely monitoring the reported trash slide.

The EMB said its Calabarzon office is assessing the extent of the erosion and verifying reports of missing individuals.

The agency said it also directed the landfill operator to carry out stabilization measures, including leveling and sloping of the affected area to prevent further instability.

A technical conference will also be held between the EMB and the operator to discuss the incident and review compliance with Environmental Compliance Certificate conditions.

The DENR did not immediately respond to a Viber message seeking updates on the probe.

The Rizal landfill incident occurred just over a month after a deadly trash slide in Cebu City on Jan. 8 that killed 36 workers.

In late January, the DENR ordered a “comprehensive nationwide review” of all solid waste facilities to prevent a repeat of the Cebu City trash slide. — Vonn Andrei E. Villamiel