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Manila Bulletin devider Philippines devider National devider Manila Bay task force ready to strike vs. polluters on March 22, World Water Day

Manila Bay task force ready to strike vs. polluters on March 22, World Water Day

Published Mar 16, 2021 06:06 pm

The Manila Bay Anti-Pollution Task Force (MBAPTF) of the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) is set to make examples out of four business establishments that pollute the Manila Bay on Monday, March 22.

(JANSEN ROMERO / FILE PHOTO / MANILA BULLETIN)

This was announced Tuesday, March 16 by MBAPTF Chief, Usec. Benny D. Antiporda during a virtual press conference.

"On Monday we will come up with four establishments (first), tinitignan natin yung mga legalities ng gagawin natin. Kapag nag umpisa po tayo sa Monday tuloy-tuloy na po yan (we're looking at the legalities of what we're going to do. Once we start on Monday, it will be continuous)," Antiporda said.

The Monday operation, which will coincide with the country’s celebration of World Water Day, will be jointly carried out by the MBAPTF, the Laguna Lake Development Authority (LLDA), the DENR-EMB (Environment Management Bureau), and the local government units (LGUs) involved.

Although the Antiporda didn't identify the four establishments, he said that they were "businesses that continue to violate the law even before the pandemic".

"We need to show the people around the work that we really mean business in protecting our water sources. We will address those violators (of the Clean Water Act) who really kill our water bodies," stressed the DENR official.

"We gave them ample time already. Sad to say, walang clear action na ginawa, kaya (they gave no clear action that's why) we need to act on it," he added of the erring establishments.

Antiporda said that over 200 Manila Bay polluters have been reported to his office.The MBAPTF was created via DENR Special Order (SO) No.2021-17 issued on January 26, 2021.

In a related development, the DENR is poised to get P1.56 billion in fresh funding this year for the rehabilitation of Manila Bay, says Anakalusugan Party-List Rep. Michael Defensor.

“The amount is 16 percent greater than the P1.35 billion budget that the DENR obtained last year for the development, updating and implementation of its Operational Plan for the Manila Bay Coastal Management Strategy,” Defensor said.

Related Tags

Manila Bay Antiporda march 22 world water day MBAPTF DENR
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