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The fire at the Navotas Sanitary Landfill, which began Friday night, is now under control as of Sunday, authorities said.
According to Dano Tingcungco’s report on “24 Oras Weekend,” the Philippine Air Force conducted aerial operations since morning to suppress remaining hotspots and smoke in the area.
The Bureau of Fire Protection (BFP) and the Navotas City government also deployed two barges carrying water tankers and fire extinguishing equipment.
The Environment Management Bureau–NCR said the blaze, worsened by hot weather, caused haze over Metro Manila and Bulacan.
“Ang mga bata, senior citizens, buntis, at may hika o sakit sa baga o puso ay mas mainam na manatili muna sa loob ng bahay hangga’t maaari,” the Navotas City Public Information Office said, noting that air quality in the city remained poor as of noon.
(It is better for children, senior citizens, pregnant women, and those with asthma or lung and heart conditions to stay indoors as much as possible.)
The Caloocan City government likewise advised residents that air quality in the city is considered “unhealthy.”
“Yung naganap na haze recently po dito sa Metro Manila at mga kalapit na lugar ay dahil mainly doon sa naganap na sunog sa landfill dito po sa Navotas City. Thereby, nagkaroon ng effect dahil sa hangin—yung mga suspended particles, kumalat na doon sa paligid ng Metro Manila, lalo na sa northern portion,” said PAGASA meteorologist Benison Estareja.
(The haze recently observed in Metro Manila and nearby areas is mainly due to the fire at the Navotas landfill. Because of the wind, suspended particles spread across Metro Manila, especially in the northern portion.)
In nearby Obando, Bulacan, residents of coastal Barangay Salambao evacuated by boat due to heavy haze.
“Sobrang kapal na ng usok. Delikado na sa mga bata. Parang hindi na kami makahinga nang maayos kasi puro usok na yung kapaligiran namin,” said one resident who evacuated with her infant.
(The smoke was very thick. It was already dangerous for the children. It felt like we could not breathe properly anymore because the surroundings were filled with smoke.)
Some evacuees reported chest tightness and difficulty breathing.
They were brought to temporary shelters at the municipal hall and Obando National High School.
The BFP is still investigating the cause of the fire. Meanwhile, the Navotas City government said it does not own the landfill, which was shut down in August last year after its franchise expired.—Vince Angelo Ferreras/MCG, GMA News
