3 SCAVENGERS FEARED DEAD IN RIZAL LANDFILL COLLAPSE

THREE waste collectors were reported missing and feared dead after a heap of garbage collapsed at a privately owned landfill in Rodriguez, Rizal,  authorities said Sunday.

According to the Office of the Civil Defense (OCD), the garbage collapse occurred around 2 p.m. Friday, February 20.

Initial report from the Municipal Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office (MDRRMO) Rodriguez,  showed that three persons were missing following the collapse of the massive pile of trash at Sitio 1B, Harangan in Bgy. San Isidro.

Search and rescue operations were being carried out to search for the missing persons.

The collapse of the Rizal landfill occurred a month after the Binaliw sanitary landfill in Cebu City collapsed leaving 36 people dead and 18 others injured.

Meanwhile, the provincial government of Rizal has called for an investigation into the incident.

In a statement dated February 22, Rizal Gov.  Nina Ricci Ynares clarified that the sanitary landfill in Bgy. San Isidor, despite carrying the province’s name, is privately owned and operated.

“We wish to clarify that although it bears the name of the province, the said sanitary landfill is neither owned nor operated by the provincial government of Rizal. Its operation and management are under a private company,” the governor said.

She said reports of individuals allegedly buried in the incident have reached the provincial authorities.

Ynares emphasized that every life is important and the government does not tolerate actions that undermine citizens’ dignity and rights.

The governor said the provincial government is seeking a thorough, prompt, and transparent investigation to determine accountability, and prevent similar incidents in the future.