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Manila Bulletin devider Philippines devider National devider DENR studying legal options vs Navotas landfill operator — Cuna

DENR studying legal options vs Navotas landfill operator — Cuna

Published Apr 28, 2026 01:30 pm
(MB FILE PHOTO/JEL SANTOS)
(MB FILE PHOTO/JEL SANTOS)
Amid ongoing concerns over the Navotas landfill fire, the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) on Tuesday, April 28, said it is studying possible legal remedies against the operator of the inactive Navotas Sanitary Landfill.
DENR Secretary Juan Miguel Cuna said the agency is coordinating with the Office of the Solicitor General (OSG) to determine the next legal steps that may be taken in relation to the landfill operations.
“At kami naman po, we have been discussing with the Office of the Solicitor General para po pag-aralan ano ang legal remedies na pwede nating puntahan moving forward (And on our part, we have been discussing with the Office of the Solicitor General to study what legal remedies we can pursue moving forward),” Cuna said during a joint inspection with the Navotas local government and concerned agencies at the landfill.
Cuna added that documents related to the Navotas landfill have already been submitted to authorities for review.
“So nag-submit na po ng mga dokumento in relation to the landfill (Documents related to the landfill have already been submitted),” he said.
(MB FILE PHOTO)
(MB FILE PHOTO)
Per the DENR chief, the landfill operator has committed to submit a plan outlining the proper closure and rehabilitation of the site, which has been under scrutiny following the fire that worsened air quality in Metro Manila.
“Ang landfill operator po… they committed to submit their safe closure and rehabilitation plan (The landfill operator committed to submit their safe closure and rehabilitation plan),” Cuna said.
It can be recalled that the DENR earlier ordered sanitary landfill operators nationwide to submit contingency plans for fires and emergencies, while directing local government units (LGUs) to immediately cease the operation of open and controlled dumpsites to safeguard nearby communities.
(MB FILE PHOTO)
(MB FILE PHOTO)
Since the fire broke out on April 10, the DENR has been closely monitoring the Navotas landfill, as persistent smoke continues to raise health and environmental concerns in nearby communities.
On Monday, April 27, Cuna said air quality in Metro Manila remains “not good” as smoke continues to emanate from the Navotas Sanitary Landfill.
He urged vulnerable sectors, such as the elderly and children, to remain indoors and wear masks in areas affected by poor air quality.

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DENR studying legal options vs Navotas landfill operator Cuna OSG
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