Jauhn Etienne Villaruel

Personnel from DPWH, BFP, Navotas LGU, and the Philippine Coast Guard navigate the Navotas Sanitary Landfill amid thick haze and dust during a site inspection on Thursday morning, April 16, 2026. Eon Sanchez, ABS-CBN News

Article (news)

NAVOTAS SANITARY LANDFILL- FIRE

Bea Cuadra

ABS-CBN News

<div><span class="fr-img-caption fr-fic fr-dib" style="width:960px;display:block" width="960"><span class="fr-img-wrap"><img src="https://od2-image-api.abs-cbn.com/prod/editorImage/177734288277320260416-navotas-landfill-fire-inspection-ES.jpg" style="width:960px" class="fr-fic fr-dib" width="960"/><span class="fr-inner" style="text-align:left">Personnel from DPWH, BFP, Navotas LGU, and the Philippine Coast Guard navigate the Navotas Sanitary Landfill amid thick haze and dust during a site inspection on Thursday morning, April 16, 2026. <em>Eon Sanchez, ABS-CBN News/File</em></span></span></span></div><p>MANILA — Officials of DPWH, DENR, Navotas LGU, and international technical experts converged at the Navotas Sanitary Landfill on Tuesday morning, April 28, to oversee the operations to extinguish a massive fire that has now persisted for 18 days.</p><p>The inspection aimed to assess the progress of a disaster that has affected roughly 90 percent of the 44-hectare facility.</p><p>Despite the scale of the challenge, officials reported that approximately 50 percent of the fire has been suppressed.</p><p>The arrival of technical experts from Japan last Friday provided a critical boost to the local response, as over 50 units of heavy equipment now work across multiple sites made accessible by newly-constructed roads.</p><p>DPWH Secretary Vince Dizon emphasized that while progress is visible, the complexity of the terrain and the nature of the fire make for a difficult mission.</p><p>The current strategy involves smothering the flames with soil, sand, and other materials.</p><p>Dizon noted that while certain areas previously unreachable are now being processed, officials are refraining from setting a definitive deadline.</p><p>“Ayaw magbigay ng timeline kasi talagang slow process ito. Pero, slowly but surely naman, napapatay na natin,” he added.</p><div><br/></div><div><strong>AIR QUALITY</strong></div><div><br/></div><p>As the fire continues to smolder, air quality remains a primary concern for the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR).</p><p>Acting Secretary Juan Miguel Cuna reported that while some areas are seeing improvements, others remain above safety thresholds.</p><p>“At dito po sa NCR, isa na lang pong lugar ang medyo mataas pa po ang readings natin sa PM2.5. Ang Valenzuela po ay medyo mataas pa. Actually, medyo mataas, 48 micrograms per normal cubic meter ng PM2.5. So above yan ng national guideline values natin na 35,” Cuna explained.</p><p>He advised sensitive groups, particularly the elderly and children, to remain indoors or wear masks.</p><p>Regarding accountability, Cuna revealed that the DENR is working with the Office of the Solicitor General to determine legal remedies, while the landfill operator has committed to a safe closure and rehabilitation plan.</p><div><br/></div><div><strong>JAPAN HELP</strong></div><div><br/></div><p>Japanese Ambassador Endo Kazuya joined the inspection, highlighting the strong partnership between the two nations during times of crisis.</p><p>The Japanese government deployed its technical experts following a request for assistance from the Philippine government.</p><p>“When the partner is in a difficult situation, I think it is necessary for another partner to be supportive of each other. And that is the stage that we work together between the Philippines and Japan,” Ambassador Endo stated.</p><p>He expressed his &quot;deep respect&quot; for the Filipino officials and experts working tirelessly on the field.</p><p>Mayor John Rey Tiangco acknowledged that while the technical advice from the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) has been invaluable, the operation remains at the mercy of the elements.</p><p>“Kung minsan, nagkakaproblema rin po tayo sa weather. Naapektuhan yung operations natin. Tulad kahapon, nahinto tayo maaga kasi umihip yung hangin po doon. Zero visibility po,” Tiangco shared.</p><p>He noted that the focus remains on the &quot;heat map&quot; areas where temperatures are highest to further reduce smoke emissions.</p><p>The joint task force remains committed to the site.</p><p>Dizon reiterated the administration’s stance: “Basta tuloy-tuloy kami dito hangga&#x27;t di pa fire out to hindi kami ititigil.”</p><div><br/></div><div><strong>RELATED VIDEO</strong></div><div><strong><span class="fr-video fr-deletable fr-fvc fr-dvb fr-draggable" contenteditable="false" draggable="true"><iframe width="640" height="360" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/7HQ1TTyUqW0?&amp;wmode=opaque&amp;rel=0" frameBorder="0" allowfullscreen="" class="fr-draggable"></iframe></span><span class="fr-video fr-deletable fr-fvc fr-dvb fr-draggable" contenteditable="false" draggable="true"><iframe width="640" height="360" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/fr__WdsFFbs?&amp;wmode=opaque&amp;rel=0" frameBorder="0" allowfullscreen="" class="fr-draggable"></iframe></span></strong><br/></div>

<p>DPWH Secretary Vince Dizon emphasized that while progress is visible, the complexity of the terrain and the nature of the fire make for a difficult mission.</p>

DPWH Secretary Vince Dizon emphasized that while progress is visible, the complexity of the terrain and the nature of the fire make for a difficult mission.

Experts, officials intensify efforts to contain 18-day Navotas landfill fire

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Experts, officials intensify efforts to contain 18-day Navotas landfill fire

Bea Cuadra,

ABS-CBN News

Published April 28, 2026 10:22 AM PHT

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Navotas landfill

Fire

DPWH

DENR

Navotas LGU

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