The Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) CALABARZON has suspended operations at a large sanitary landfill in Rodriguez, Rizal after a massive garbage landslide that killed one person and left two others missing. The incident occurred on February 20 at the facility of Green Leap Solid Waste Management, Inc. in Sitio Lukutan Munti, Barangay San Isidro.
On Tuesday, the DENR-Environmental Management Bureau (EMB) CALABARZON issued a Cease-and-Desist Order (CDO) against the company. According to investigators, an estimated 420,000 cubic meters of waste fell from the active tipping area—a massive volume that covered three heavy equipment units. While one fatality has been confirmed, search and retrieval operations are ongoing for two individuals who are still missing.
The suspension specifically refers to “Phase 5” of the landfill, an area of approximately six hectares. A follow-up inspection on February 23 identified several critical operational lapses, including a large crack in the adjacent waste bench that could cause further erosion. Also noted was a strong foul odor from the exposed waste and several violations of their Environmental Compliance Certificate (ECC).
Authorities have implemented a strict no-entry policy in the area to ensure public safety, although necessary emergency work is allowed. According to DENR CALABARZON Regional Executive Director Nilo Tamoria, the government's priority is to immediately stabilize the site to prevent further damage to the environment and hold the company accountable for its shortcomings. He also stressed that any negligence that endangers the environment and public safety will not be tolerated.
To avoid further disruption to local waste management, the company was ordered to relocate active tipping operations to a safer part of the facility. Green Leap Solid Waste Management, Inc. was given five days to submit a formal report on the incident. Officials warned that failure to attend the scheduled conference could be considered a waiver of the right to be heard, which could potentially result in further legal action based on the evidence available.
