DENR warns Angono vs using Laguna de Bay as dumpsite

MANILA, Philippines - The Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) on Wednesday threatened to sue the local government of Angono, Rizal if it does not stop using Laguna Lake as its dumpsite. DENR secretary Jose Atienza Jr said he will not hesitate to file charges against them if they do not close their dumping facility immediately. A statement on the DENR website said Atienza issued the warning following reports that the local government continues to dump its waste in the country's largest lake. He said the DENR is fully committed to rehabilitate Laguna Lake, and started Wednesday morning the demolition of illegal fishpens that impede the free flow of lake water. "Our next target would be the illegal dumpsites along its banks which also greatly contribute to the degradation of the lake's water quality," he said. "Under the law, LGUs could be held responsible and liable not only for operating illegal dumpsites but also for illegal reclamation of part of the lake's bank," he added. He also assured the local government of Angono that his agency is ready to provide technical assistance in addressing their solid waste problem. "Laguna Lake is dying and collective efforts are necessary to nurse it back to life. The LGUs play a key role in the lake's clean up and protection. The DENR is ready to assist them," he said. Earlier, the Laguna Lake Development Authority (LLDA) also tagged Paete and Binan in Laguna and Taytay, Rizal as operating dumps along Laguna Lake. The DENR is trying to clean up the country's rivers and lakes, particularly Pasig River, Manila Bay, Laguna Lake and Taal Lake. - GMANews.TV