The Navotas City Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office (NCDRRMO) reported that the rubbish fire at the former Navotas Sanitary Landfill (NSLF), first reported at 8:23 p.m. on April 10, 2026, has been declared “fire under control” by the Bureau of Fire Protection (BFP)-Navotas.
Authorities, however, said suppression operations continue to fully extinguish remaining flames and smoke.
"Ang NSLF ay sarado na at matatagpuan sa isang isla, humigit-kumulang 2.6 kilometro mula sa mga residential area ng Navotas, kaya walang residenteng naninirahan sa nasabing isla," the Navotas City DRRMO noted.
They also shared that heavy equipment was deployed to conduct trenching on affected portions of the landfill to prevent the spread of fire, a standard procedure in addressing rubbish fires in sanitary landfill sites. This was prioritized as nighttime reinforcement operations using marine vessels were not possible due to low tide conditions.
To further intensify firefighting efforts, the Navotas LGU coordinated with the Philippine Air Force, which deployed two helicopters to conduct aerial water bucket drops. Additional aerial operations are scheduled to resume the following morning to help suppress remaining hotspots and smoke.
On the ground, a barge carrying two water tankers was deployed, while the BFP-Navotas and local government units utilized fire pumpers, fire hoses, and portable fire pumps to support suppression efforts.
Air quality in the city continues to be monitored. Based on Navotas’ Air Quality Monitoring Sensors, the Air Quality Index (AQI) registered 78 (moderate) at 12:00 noon and improved to 52 by 6:00 p.m., remaining within the moderate range.
The LGU, led by Mayor John Rey Tiangco, has also coordinated with the LGU of Obando regarding concerns from nearby residents. Due to wind direction, surrounding areas may be affected by smoke, and residents in adjacent communities are advised to wear face masks as a precaution.
Authorities said the incident is currently classified as a rubbish fire within the landfill’s waste mass, with the exact cause still under investigation.
The NSLF was previously operated by Phil. Ecology Systems Corporation and ceased operations on August 26, 2025 following the expiration of its franchise.
The Navotas City government assured the public that it continues to coordinate with concerned agencies to ensure the safety of residents and nearby communities.
