Japan Disaster Relief (JDR) Expert Team conducts an on-site assessment at the old Navotas landfill on April 24, 2026, in support of ongoing fire suppression efforts in coordination with Philippine authorities. (Photo courtesy of the Navotas City government)
Japanese disaster response experts have approved the fire-control measures being implemented at at the old Navotas landfill, following an on-site inspection on Friday, April 24.
The seven-member Japan Disaster Relief (JDR) Expert Team, deployed by the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) at the request of the Philippine government, provided technical support and evaluated containment efforts.
According to official Japanese statements, the team is composed of specialists from various institutions engaged in disaster response, operating under Japan’s coordinated emergency assistance framework.
Initial findings showed that current methods, including soil covering, compaction, and cooling of the waste mass, are effectively reducing residual underground fire activity at the landfill.
The team conducted a site demonstration on Saturday, April 25, to improve operational efficiency and guide the proper use of heavy equipment in coordination with local responders.
Augmentation of resources continues with the arrival of three additional bulldozers and expert operators to support ongoing operations.
More equipment is expected in the coming days to further strengthen fire suppression efforts.
The Navotas City government expressed gratitude to JICA, Japanese agencies, national government partners, and private sector groups as efforts continue to fully extinguish the landfill fire.