Metro Manila, Philippines — The Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR), following the directive of President Ferdinand Marcos Jr., has vowed to protect families affected by the Navotas landfill fire and seek accountability.
The agency said it has intensified its fire-reduction operations in the landfill through continued soil covering, cooling, and dredging activities to contain smoldering areas and prevent the fire from spreading.
Several air quality monitors have been deployed to determine real-time air quality in affected areas.
Targeted sampling for chemicals such as dioxins and methane, as well as other possible emissions, is also being carried out.
Residents are also urged to wear appropriate masks, especially those with respiratory or heart conditions.
Meanwhile, a focused compliance audit of landfill operations and an investigation into the cause of the fire have been launched.
“We are not only responding to the smoke. We are also looking at why this happened, what standards may have been violated, and what must be corrected so communities are not put at risk again,” said DENR Secretary Juan Miguel Cuna.
“This is what the President wants government to do: act fast, protect the people, and show proof on the ground,” he added.
