The fire at the Navotas Sanitary Landfill is now 79.6% contained, with authorities expressing optimism that full extinguishment may be achieved within four to five days, according to updates from the Metro Manila Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (MMDRRMC).

During a coordination briefing, MMDA Chairman and MMDRRMC head Atty. Romando S. “Don” Artes said response teams are closely monitoring the situation on the ground while continuing suppression operations using available equipment and strategies.

“Moving forward, the incident will serve as a learning experience to improve preparedness and response capabilities,” Artes said.

Navotas City Mayor John Rey Tiangco reported that fire containment has significantly improved, aided by continuous operations such as soil covering, smothering, and misting across the 44-hectare site. He also confirmed that thermal imaging drones are being used to detect remaining hotspots.

The Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) earlier estimated that full fire suppression could be achieved within four to five days, after which rehabilitation and backfilling efforts will resume.

President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. has also ordered the Department of National Defense (DND) to coordinate with foreign partners for technical assistance, prompting support commitments from expert teams from Japan and the United States, according to Special Envoy Maria Antonia Yulo-Loyzaga.

Meanwhile, Mayor Tiangco said air quality levels in Metro Manila remain within normal standards despite the ongoing fire. He also raised concerns over alleged lapses by the landfill operator in implementing closure and rehabilitation obligations under environmental regulations.

Authorities from the MMDRRMC, MMDA, OCD, DPWH, DOTr, and DENR continue to jointly manage the incident as containment efforts progress toward full control in the coming days.