President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. inspected on Wednesday, Aug. 12, the Baclaran-Redemptorist Water Channel in Parañaque City as government agencies pressed on with a massive cleanup operation that has removed about 640 metric tons of garbage and debris in just two days.

Marcos visited the site to assess the condition of the waterway and the ongoing clearing efforts as authorities tackled the huge garbage buildup that had blocked the channel.

Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) Secretary Vince Dizon also joined the inspection, describing the situation as a “serious garbage crisis” while the agency intensified its response.

The cleanup is being carried out by the DPWH and the Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA), in coordination with the Parañaque City government and other local government units.

Mayor Edwin Olivarez said the massive pile of garbage in the Baclaran-Redemptorist channel was unprecedented in the area.

Dizon noted that much of the waste may have been carried from other locations, contributing to the buildup.

On the second day of operations, 72 trucks hauled 1,189 cubic meters -- or roughly 396 metric tons -- of waste from the channel.

This followed the first day’s haul of 732 cubic meters, or about 244 metric tons, collected by 45 trucks.

In total, the two-day operation removed 1,921 cubic meters of waste and debris, equivalent to around 640 metric tons, using 117 truckloads.

Olivarez warned that the obstruction has raised flooding risks, especially during heavy rains and high tide.

Authorities said the cleanup will continue until the channel is sufficiently cleared and its floodwater capacity restored.