By Ria Fernandez
Police are now hunting down the people behind a siphoning truck caught on closed-circuit television (CCTV) camera of illegally discharging human wastes to a canal fronting a hotel in Malate, Manila.
Based on the video taken on Feb. 4, 2019, the truck was traversing along Pablo Ocampo Street when it suddenly parked in front of Century Park Hotel Manila.
(MPD / MANILA BULLETIN)
Moments later, it was already seen releasing its collection of feces.
The company's name imprinted on the sides of the truck, as well as the last digit of the vehicle's plate number were covered.
The hotel’s security guard complained of a foul odor similar to human wastes when he checked the area after the truck left, police said.
In a press conference on Monday, Manila Mayor Joseph Estrada has pledged P100,000 bounty for anyone who can give information on the suspects.
However, the local chief executive believes that the incident is politically motivated.
“Sadya yatang ginawa ito para siraan ako e…alam niyo naman pag kampanya lahat gagawin para makasira ng kapwa. Hindi ito gawain nang matinong tao (It seems that it has been done to malign me…you know that during campaign, political opponents will do everything to destroy others. This is not an act of people in their right minds),” he said.
For his part, Manila Police District (MPD) Chief Vicente Danao, Jr. said that it would be better if the persons responsible for the act would surrender.
"We got TNV 48 in the plate number. We only have nine digits from 0 to nine. We already checked on three numbers so there is seven more," he said, adding, "I am giving a stern warning to those responsible to surrender so we can advise you that what you did is wrong... because if I caught you, I will let you drink the human wastes."
The Manila's top cop said the suspects violated the Clean Water Act, among others.