The Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) has urged the Marikina City government to clear the Nangka River of post-typhoon mud and debris, which is obstructing the free flow of the river.

A report of the investigation conducted by the DENR-National Capital Region led by officer-in-charge Director Roberto Sheen said, “Nangka River is now impaired due to accumulated mud and construction debris which obstruct the free flow of water downstream.”

The team of experts from the DENR noted in its report that “no ongoing dumping was noted at the time of investigation, however, dumped mud with construction debris were noted along and within the Nangka River, particularly along the Barangay Nangka side in Marikina City.”

The report also noted that the river, which is usually 50 meters wide, has been reduced to only three meters passable with water due to the mud and construction debris. The report also cited “a dike of mud, 50 meters long and three meters high along the roadside of the Balimbing St., beside the river.”