CITY OF SAN FERNANDO – A village chief who was implicated in the operation of an illegal dumpsite in Barangay Telabastagan here has denied any involvement in the anomaly even as he claimed that the dumpsite is located on public property.
Telabastagan Chairman Elmer Manguerra said the dumpsite was already in operation when he assumed office last year. He also said he is in the process of clearing the area of garbage as he ordered its closure and the transfer of recyclable materials to junk shops in the city.
When the Punto! team inspected the area recently, one Rodolfo Bautista who claimed to be employed by the barangay chairman was preparing recyclable materials for transport. Manguerra admitted hiring Bautista who, according to him, hails from Porac but is tireless in cleaning the surroundings in the area and even the nearby creek.
City Environment and Natural Resources Officer Anele David said they are monitoring the clearing of the area of garbage until such time that it no longer poses a danger to the environment. She certifi ed Manguerra’s claim the he is actually clearing the area of garbage.
But David admitted that she is helpless against squatters in the area who were noticed in the property for quite some time. Local environmentalist Sonny Dobles said he uncovered the illegal dumpsite after receiving complaints from property owner Ruperto Cruz, himself an advocate of the environment and head of the Pinoy Gumising Ka Movement (PGKM).
Dobles said professional squatters who were about to put up structures in the said property were reportedly
demanding proof of ownership before dismantling their lines. They allegedly namedropped Manguerra as allowing them to occupy the area.
Dobles said the illegal dumpsite is a clear violation of the law and runs contrary to the “Sagip Ilog” campaign of the local government.
