The Rizal Provincial Government and the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) have issued official statements following a trash slide incident at the Green Leap Sanitary Landfill in Barangay San Isidro, Rodriguez, Rizal.

Governor Nina Ynares clarified that despite the landfill bearing the province’s name, it is privately owned and not managed by the Rizal Provincial Government. She emphasized that the provincial government does not condone any activities that compromise the dignity or safety of individuals.

Reports have emerged of individuals being buried or killed in the incident. In response, the provincial government has called on the DENR to conduct a thorough, immediate, and transparent investigation to determine the full circumstances, hold responsible parties accountable, and prevent similar occurrences in the future.

Governor Ynares stressed that the safety of residents and adherence to the law remain top priorities of the provincial government.

Meanwhile, the DENR-Environmental Management Bureau (EMB) reported that its CALABARZON office is closely monitoring the site. EMB personnel conducted an on-site investigation and have ordered immediate stabilization operations, including leveling and sloping of eroded areas to prevent further collapses.

Green Leap Solid Waste Management, Inc., the operator of the landfill, has been instructed to submit a detailed action plan, provide daily progress reports on retrieval and rehabilitation activities, implement daily soil covering and waste compaction, restrict access to high-risk areas, and maintain regular site inspections.

A technical conference will also be held between EMB CALABARZON and the landfill operator to review the incident, assess compliance with environmental regulations, and issue a Notice of Violation for any non-compliance identified.

The DENR, in its statement, affirms that its Central Office will continue to coordinate with the regional office to monitor developments.