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Manila Bulletin devider Philippines devider National devider Shellfish, crabs at risk: Oceana warns of water contamination from Navotas landfill fire

Shellfish, crabs at risk: Oceana warns of water contamination from Navotas landfill fire

Published Apr 26, 2026 10:14 am  |  Updated Apr 26, 2026 01:57 pm
(MB FILE PHOTO)
(MB FILE PHOTO)
International marine conservation group Oceana on Sunday, April 26, warned of possible contamination of water surrounding the inactive Navotas Sanitary Landfill, citing the potential spread of pollutants from smoke, landfill leachate, and runoff into nearby waterways and coastal areas.
“Landfill leachate, the polluted liquid that drains from waste, along with runoff from rain and water from firefighting and flowing over the landfill, may carry contaminants into waterways leading to the sea,” it said.
Diuvs De Jesus, Oceana’s campaigns and science specialist, said pollutants emitted and transported through smoke plumes are expected to settle on land and water.
With this, Oceana urged the local government of Navotas and the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) to strictly monitor water quality and sediments, in addition to air quality.
(MB FILE PHOTO)
(MB FILE PHOTO)
The group said the Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (BFAR) should examine shellfish and crabs that are at heightened risk of contamination with heavy metals and persistent organic pollutants.
“Precautionary measures should be done especially in the affected areas,” Oceana added.
Earlier, environmental group BAN Toxics said the fire at the Navotas Sanitary Landfill, which worsened air quality in Metro Manila and nearby provinces, could have been prevented, citing gaps in waste management practices and a “business-as-usual” mindset.
Jam Lorenzo, BAN Toxics deputy executive director and head of the Policy Development and Research Unit, said stricter adherence to safety protocols could have averted the incident.
(MB FILE PHOTO)
(MB FILE PHOTO)
“The fire could have been prevented if all parties involved exercised the precautionary principle, and ensured the landfill’s safe closure and rehabilitation,” he said.
“Instead, by prioritizing court orders and schedules over environmental safeguards, we are now in this situation that has impacted the environment and endangered the lives of millions of Filipinos,” he added.
On April 10, a fire broke out at the Navotas Sanitary Landfill, leading to smoke emissions that affected air quality in the city and nearby areas.

Related Tags

Shellfish crabs at risk Oceana warns water contamination Navotas landfill fire DENR
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