The Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) is poised to take legal action against the former operator of the Navotas Sanitary Landfill in the wake of a devastating fire that blanketed Metro Manila with dense, hazardous smoke. According to sources within the Environmental Management Bureau of the National Capital Region (EMB-NCR), the Philippine Ecology Systems Corp. (PhilEco) could face a trifecta of charges—criminal, administrative, and civil—for its alleged role in the incident.
Alleged Failures in Landfill Closure Plan
Investigations reveal that PhilEco, which ceased operations at the landfill in February 2026 shortly after its permit expired, may have failed to properly implement its Safe Closure and Rehabilitation Plan. Under Philippine environmental law, landfill operators are mandated to cover waste with soil, install effective gas venting systems, and prevent the accumulation of methane gas, which is highly flammable and can ignite spontaneously.
DENR Inspection Uncovers Critical Deficiencies
DENR officials, following a thorough inspection, reported that the facility was not adequately closed. They identified several critical shortcomings, including a non-functional water treatment plant and missing gas ventilation pipes. The agency emphasized that had the closure plan been completed as required, the catastrophic fire might have been averted. This oversight has prompted the DENR to scrutinize potential violations of key environmental statutes, such as the Clean Water Act and the Ecological Solid Waste Management Act.
PhilEco Denies Responsibility
In response to the allegations, PhilEco has firmly denied any liability for the fire. The company contends that it no longer had control over the site after it was seized via a court order related to a development project. PhilEco also asserted that it had initiated the closure plan prior to being forced out of operations, suggesting that external factors may have contributed to the incident.
Government Task Force Established
To address the ongoing crisis and prevent future fires, the government has formed a dedicated task force. This group will oversee the investigation and rehabilitation efforts at the landfill site, ensuring that all necessary measures are taken to mitigate environmental and public health risks. The situation remains under close watch as authorities work to determine the full extent of the operator's responsibilities and the long-term impacts of the fire.
