Illegal waste dumping monitored

CEBU, Philippines — The Mandaue City Government is intensifying its surveillance against individuals who deliberately dump sacks of garbage in public areas, particularly in the North Reclamation Area.

‎City Mayor’s Office-Safety Maintenance Area Response Team (CMO-SMART) leader Gerard Glenn “RD” Soon Gobalani, in an interview, said the team is monitoring what they call “bombing,” where individuals use vehicles or trisikads to transport and dump sacks of garbage along sidewalks and center islands.

‎“Apil na sa among gitan-aw kanang gitawag nato og ‘bombing’. Mag-sakyanan na sila or kaning mag tri-sikad, then sinako ang basura," Gobalani said.

‎Gobalani added they are now monitoring portions of the North Reclamation Area and the area near the Cebu International Convention Center (CICC) in Barangay Tipolo.

‎“Diha jud sa may sa Cebu International Convention Center (CICC)...sa dark portion sa kilid. Usa na sa atong mga gitan-aw,” he said.

‎He said the illegal dumping usually happens during early morning, when fewer people are around.

‎The team is also checking the contents of the sacks left in the area to determine their possible sources.

‎“Among gi-check ang mga sulod sa sako, mga pagkaon, mga plastic,” Gobalani said.

‎Based on their monitoring, Gobalani said the garbage appears to come from residential sources rather than commercial establishments.

‎Those caught illegally dumping garbage may face citations from the Mandaue City Environment and Natural Resources Office (MCENRO), with eco-wardens also assisting during apprehensions.

‎“Once ma-apprehend na nato, makamulta pod na sila. Naa na sila'y citation,” he said.

‎Gobalani said the city is also closely monitoring illegal dumping because garbage can contribute to clogged drainage systems and flooding, especially during the rainy season.

‎“Kung pananglitan mag declog sa atong mga manhole, makita nato number one basura,” he said.

‎With the rainy season, Gobalani urged residents to properly dispose of and segregate their waste.

‎“We encourage the public to do their part, sunod sa segregation, kay para sa atoa raman ni tanan,” he said.

‎He said the city will continue strengthening its monitoring efforts as part of its preparations during the rainy season.

‎“Rainy season na bitaw. So, we have to be cautious na, sa atoang environment,” Gobalani said.