Navotas landfill fire linked to unfinished closure program —mayor

The fire that broke out at a sanitary landfill in Navotas City on Friday could have been prevented if the operator completed its required closure program, the mayor said on Monday.

“Nandoon lang po siya. Kaya nga, iniwan niya basta po iyon. Merong paraan kasi para maging safe po siya,” Navotas City Mayor John Rey Tiangco told Super Radyo dzBB in an interview. 

(It was left just like that. There is a proper way to do so to ensure safety.)

“Kagaya niyan, lalo na kapag summer, sobrang init. Maraming plastic po diyan, magkakaroon ng rubbish fire. Pero kung sana nagawa 'yung closure, baka hindi ganyan,” he added. 

(Like now, especially during summer, it is so hot. There are many plastic items there, which may lead to rubbish fire. But if the closure was properly done, this [fire] may not have happened.)

Tiangco said the landfill ceased operations in August 2025 after the contract with the operator expired. 

The company was directed to carry out a proper closure process but the work was left unfinished before it exited the site.

Large volumes of waste were left behind and were not properly secured, increasing the risk of hazards such as fires especially amid extreme heat.

The landfill, which spans about 44 hectares, contains significant amounts of combustible materials including plastic. 

The fire began at around 7:56 p.m. on Friday, and continued throughout Saturday. It was placed under control on Sunday morning, but the fire has yet to be put out.

As smokes continue to emanate from the area, firefighting efforts are ongoing.

The Philippine Air Force has also assisted in operations by conducting aerial water drops.

Responders are pouring water over the affected areas and covering portions of the landfill with sand to limit oxygen and prevent the fire from spreading underground, according to the mayor. 

The site’s island-like location has posed logistical challenges. Equipment and manpower need to be transported by vessels. 

Local health officials have distributed face masks and medicines to affected residents and are coordinating with nearby areas to monitor air quality. 

Residents have been advised to limit outdoor exposure and wear protective masks. —KG, GMA News