At least 72 truckloads, equivalent to nearly 400 metric tons of garbage, have been hauled from the Redemptorist Water Channel in Baclaran, Parañaque City, following recent heavy rains, an environment official said Wednesday.

According to a report by RH Jecelle Ricafort, City Environment and Natural Resources Office OIC Bernie Amurao said authorities are aiming to clear the remaining trash from the water channel within two to three days.

“Kailangan baguhin na 'yung mga sistema, marami kaming ginagawa ngayon,” Amurao said.

“Ang lokal, hindi kami natutulog dito, talagang kumikilos kami araw-araw,” he added.

The Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA), Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) and the local government have deployed additional heavy equipment, including a floating backhoe and a trash skimmer, to speed up the cleanup operations.

The open canal was nearly covered by debris, including wood, plastic, tires, clothing and styrofoam that were swept into the waterway by floodwaters.

Amurao said authorities were shocked by what appeared to be a “sea of garbage” that emerged in the channel after days of rain.

He also said the massive volume of waste, combined with strong winds and heavy rainfall, damaged several trash traps installed near Manila Bay and Diokno Boulevard.

The structures were intended to prevent garbage from reaching the open canal, but were overwhelmed by the sheer volume of waste, the local official said.

Amurao urged the public to dispose of their trash properly and work together with authorities instead of blaming one another for the problem.

The collected waste will be transported to an authorized landfill in San Mateo, Rizal, operated by the MMDA and the local government, officials said.