DENR 'closely' monitoring landfill collapse in Rodriguez, Rizal

The Department of Environment and Natural Resources said it is closely monitoring the reported landfill collapse in Rodriguez, Rizal on Feb. 20.

According to the agency, its Environmental Management Bureau in CALABARZON has conducted an on-site investigation at Green Leap Solid Waste Management landfill in Brgy. San Isidro.

DENR's probe also comes as Rizal governor Nina Ynares urged for an immediate investigation.

She also clarified that the sanitary landfill is owned by a private company. 

They also deployed personnel to assess the extent of the erosion and verify reports of missing individuals. Urban poor group Kadamay raised alarm about the landfill collapse, reporting that it affected over 50 people. According to ABS-CBN News, Kadamay Secretary-General Mimi Doringo said that their data is based on families waiting for updates on their loved ones.

"Sa totoo lang, wala talaga kaming maayos na datos. Nag-aano lang kami dun sa sinasabing 50 dahil may mga tantsa ng mga kausap namin na may ganung karaming pamilya na nag-aabang pa ng update," she said.

Meanwhile, Rodriguez, Rizal mayor Ronnie Evangelista reported on Feb. 22 that three individuals were missing following the incident, based on their initial investigation.

"Our concerned offices are continuously working with the private operator of the landfill, ISWIMS, in monitoring the situation to discover the whereabouts of such persons and adequately address the situation," he said.

In an interview with Unang Balita, Evangelista said that one of the three missing persons has been found. He also shared what initial investigations revealed.

"Ang naging sanhi talaga, nagko-compacting kasi. Sinisiksik yung mga lupa at basura kaso nasa isang area lang 'yung tatlo, apat na bulldozer kaya 'yung weight, eto 'yung nag-trigger ng trash slide," he explained.

Evangelista added that this isn't the first time there had been a collapse in the landfill previously.