DENR: ‘Hazardous waste’ should be returned to South Korea

The massive haul of foreign garbage that arrived at a Mindanao port from South Korea last month must be returned to its point of origin, according to the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR). 

According to a report on Thursday's "Balitanghali" by Super Radyo dzBB's Allan Gatus, Environment Undersecretary Benny Antiporda cited the Basel Convention, which controls the transboundary movements of waste that may be detrimental to one's health.

The treaty supposedly prevents the transfer of "hazardous waste" from developed to less developed nations.

Customs on Wednesday intercepted an estimated 1,200 tons of trash that arrived at the Mindanao International Container Terminal Port from South Korea last October 21.

According to the report on Thursday, Antiporda said the Philippine government will see to it that all 51 containers of the garbage are returned to South Korea.

He added that Verde Soco Philippines, the consignee that reportedly runs a recycling facility in Tagoloan, Misamis Oriental, will be held responsible.

The DENR also stressed that the the massive trash haul entering the country only calls for the tougher regulations that will prevent any further transfer of waste to the Philippines. — Margaret Claire Layug/BM, GMA News