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DENR Eyes Legal Action To Landfill Operator As Navotas Fire Pollutes Air
Photo credit: Mayor John Rey Tiangco
The Department of Environment and Natural Resources is now working with the Office of the Solicitor General to explore possible legal action against landfill operators, as efforts ramp up to contain the ongoing fire at the Navotas landfill.
Environment Secretary Juan Miguel Cuna said technical experts have been deployed to deal with the blaze, which has already affected air quality in parts of Metro Manila and nearby Bulacan.
Speaking on the sidelines of ASEAN Climate Week 2026 in Taguig City, Cuna said most areas in the National Capital Region still fall within fair to good air quality levels, but some spots—like Valenzuela—have slightly exceeded safe limits.
He added that parts of Bulacan are seeing even higher levels of fine particulate matter or PM2.5, reaching around 50 micrograms per cubic meter—levels considered unhealthy, especially for vulnerable groups.
Because of this, residents—particularly children and the elderly—are being advised to stay indoors or wear masks when going outside.
Authorities remain focused on putting out the fire at the 41-hectare landfill, which continues to release smoke affecting nearby communities.
At the same time, the government is preparing for possible legal steps. The Environmental Management Bureau earlier identified Philippine Ecology Systems Corp. as the former operator of the landfill. The OSG has started reviewing documents to determine what cases may be filed.
Cuna said submissions are ongoing and another meeting with government lawyers is expected within the week to decide on the next steps.
To strengthen response efforts, the DENR is also tapping support from partners like the Japan International Cooperation Agency for better firefighting strategies and waste management systems.
Meanwhile, EMB officials have ordered landfill operators nationwide to submit contingency plans for fires and emergencies within 15 days. Local government units have also been reminded to shut down open and controlled dumpsites to prevent similar incidents.
The situation has also exposed gaps in the country’s readiness for large-scale environmental fires. Cuna said discussions are ongoing with the Bureau of Fire Protection to improve training and capabilities—not just for urban fires, but also for grass, forest, and landfill fires.
Environment Secretary Juan Miguel Cuna said technical experts have been deployed to deal with the blaze, which has already affected air quality in parts of Metro Manila and nearby Bulacan.
Speaking on the sidelines of ASEAN Climate Week 2026 in Taguig City, Cuna said most areas in the National Capital Region still fall within fair to good air quality levels, but some spots—like Valenzuela—have slightly exceeded safe limits.
He added that parts of Bulacan are seeing even higher levels of fine particulate matter or PM2.5, reaching around 50 micrograms per cubic meter—levels considered unhealthy, especially for vulnerable groups.
Because of this, residents—particularly children and the elderly—are being advised to stay indoors or wear masks when going outside.
Authorities remain focused on putting out the fire at the 41-hectare landfill, which continues to release smoke affecting nearby communities.
At the same time, the government is preparing for possible legal steps. The Environmental Management Bureau earlier identified Philippine Ecology Systems Corp. as the former operator of the landfill. The OSG has started reviewing documents to determine what cases may be filed.
Cuna said submissions are ongoing and another meeting with government lawyers is expected within the week to decide on the next steps.
To strengthen response efforts, the DENR is also tapping support from partners like the Japan International Cooperation Agency for better firefighting strategies and waste management systems.
Meanwhile, EMB officials have ordered landfill operators nationwide to submit contingency plans for fires and emergencies within 15 days. Local government units have also been reminded to shut down open and controlled dumpsites to prevent similar incidents.
The situation has also exposed gaps in the country’s readiness for large-scale environmental fires. Cuna said discussions are ongoing with the Bureau of Fire Protection to improve training and capabilities—not just for urban fires, but also for grass, forest, and landfill fires.
Apr 28, 2026
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