Marcos thanks Japan for help in Navotas landfill fire

President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. has extended gratitude to the Japanese government for its assistance in addressing the massive fire that hit the Navotas sanitary landfill recently.

In his opening remarks during the bilateral meeting with Japanese Prime Minister Takaichi Sanae on Thursday, Marcos said that Japan immediately deployed technical experts to help manage the fire—which took almost a month to put out.

“We also value Japan’s prompt deployment of technical experts to address the fire at the Navotas Sanitary Landfill, reflecting once again the responsiveness and practical value of our partnership when it matters most,” the President said during the summit meeting held at the Akasaka State Guest House in Tokyo.

The fire broke out at the non-operational Navotas Sanitary Landfill in Barangay Tanza on April 10. A month later, on May 10, Marcos announced that the fire had finally been extinguished.

At the height of the incident, the Philippine Embassy in Japan said that a seven-member Japan disaster relief team would go to Manila to provide technical support for managing the fire.

By the end of April, the Embassy of Japan announced that their team’s assessment of the Navotas Landfill fire had been completed and their findings submitted to Philippine authorities.

Marcos said that Japan has consistently given support to the Philippines during challenging times, even when it comes to maritime concerns and energy security.

“Time and again, Japan has demonstrated its steadfast support for the Philippines, particularly in periods of heightened challenges,” he said.

“From its timely expressions of support on maritime developments to its concrete assistance in addressing the global energy situation, including ensuring continued fuel supply and extending support for our energy needs,” he added.

Marcos is currently undertaking a four-day state visit to Japan, upon the invitation of the Japanese government. He and his delegation are set to return to Manila on Friday, May 29. —AOL, GMA News