Manila: The Department of Environment and Natural Resources-Environmental Management Bureau (DENR-EMB) National Capital Region (NCR) has flagged lapses in the safe closure of the Navotas sanitary landfill following a fire incident that contributed to poor air quality in parts of Metro Manila.

According to Philippines News Agency, EMB-NCR Regional Director Janice Pammit stated in an interview during the launch of the DENR Permitting-On-Wheels in Binondo, Manila, that the agency is now investigating the fire incident. Pammit highlighted that they are scrutinizing the circumstances surrounding the incident, identifying responsible parties, and exploring all legal remedies to prevent recurrence.

An initial assessment by the EMB points to methane gas buildup, intensified by extreme heat, as a likely cause of the fire. Pammit noted that there are two non-operational sanitary landfills in Metro Manila: the Navotas and the Payatas sanitary landfill. The EMB NCR is monitoring the implementation of the safe closure of the sanitary landfill under Republic Act 9003 or the Ecological Solid Waste Management Act of 2000.

Pammit explained that the safe closure of the Navotas sanitary landfill was not carried out as initially planned because the operator withdrew their submitted closure and abandonment plan. The EMB is planning to hold a technical conference with the former operator, Philippine Ecology Systems Corp. (PhilEco), and the local government unit of Navotas to ensure such incidents are prevented in the future.

Pammit indicated that if violations of environmental laws are found, PhilEco could face administrative, civil, and even criminal charges, depending on the offense's severity, in line with RA 9003 and the Clean Water Act. As of now, the DENR-EMB has not received any official reply from PhilEco.

In the meantime, government agencies, including the DENR-EMB, the Navotas LGU, the Metro Manila Development Authority, and the Bureau of Fire Protection, have implemented containment measures at the site. These measures include soil covering, water application, and the installation of gas ventilation systems to prevent methane buildup and reduce the risk of another fire.