Marcos thanks Japan for help in Navotas landfill fire response
At A Glance
- President Marcos has expressed gratitude to the Japanese government for helping in the Navotas landfill fire response.
- Marcos said Japan dispatched a disaster relief expert team to provide technical advice on firefighting operations, air quality monitoring, and waste management.
President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. (PCO)
President Marcos has thanked Japan for promptly deploying a team of experts during the weeks-long fire at the Navotas Sanitary Landfill.
Marcos noted Japan’s immediate deployment of technical experts to help address the incident in his opening remarks during the bilateral meeting with Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi on Thursday, May 29, in Tokyo, Japan.
"We also value Japan’s prompt deployment of technical experts to address the fire at the Navotas Sanitary Landfill, reflecting once again the responsiveness and practical value of our partnership when it matters most," Marcos said during the meeting held at the Akasaka State Guest House in Tokyo.
The Navotas landfill fire became a major concern for nearby communities as toxic smoke disrupted daily activities. It has affected residents in Malabon and Obando, Bulacan.
Marcos said Japan dispatched a disaster relief expert team to help Philippine authorities contain the fire. They provided technical advice on firefighting operations, air quality monitoring, and waste management.
The President stressed that Japan has consistently extended support to the Philippines during challenging times, particularly on maritime concerns and energy security.
"Time and again, Japan has demonstrated its steadfast support for the Philippines, particularly in periods of heightened challenges," he said.
"From its timely expressions of support on maritime developments to its concrete assistance in addressing the global energy situation, including ensuring continued fuel supply and extending support for our energy needs," he added.
During his visit to Obando last May 21, Marcos explained that it took time to extinguish the fire because the landfill was extremely deep, adding that it was not possible to simply put out the fire with water from firetrucks.
He said the water would not reach the bottom. This prompted responders to cover it with wet soil.
The President also noted that the smoke from the fire was dangerous, stressing that "it's not like ordinary smoke coming from burning wood or something similar. There are all sorts of things underneath that."
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