Two newly deployed garbage compactor trucks of the new garbage collection contractor in Cagayan de Oro City figured in separate road accidents.

On the first day of operations on Friday, September 26, 2025, one of the trucks reportedly sideswiped a car parked along the street.

The next day, another truck crashed into a car on Rodelsa Circle in Barangay Nazareth, causing traffic congestion in the area.

Because of the incidents, the two trucks were impounded after the drivers failed to present official receipts and certificates of registration (OR/CR).

However, the trucks were released later after the owners of the two cars and the garbage collection contractor reportedly reached an agreement.

The City Local Environment and Natural Resources Office (CLENRO) said the contractor has already suspended the truck drivers involved in the accidents.

“Muna karon dili man ta makapanghilabot sa ilang i-hire (nga driver sa truck) kung enkaso-enkaso mao gyud na pero ang ato lang gikalipay kay ang mga driver nga kato nakasala ilaha gyud gi-suspend,” CLENRO Chief, Engr. Armen Cuenca, said.

CLENRO also thanked the contractor for starting waste collection operations even before receiving the official notice to proceed from the local government.

Because of this, the garbage collection problem in the city has been addressed partly, although CLENRO acknowledged that many areas remain unserved.

“Ang karon lang lugar kining inisyal nila nga gihimo di pa gyud maka-accommodate tungod sa volume sa mga basura nga nagkatag na daan, naa na daan sa mga dalan,” Cuenca said.

CLENRO is optimistic that collection efficiency will improve soon as the contractor gradually deploys its full fleet of 30 new compactor trucks, seven dump trucks, 10 garbage-collecting tricabs, additional equipment, and personnel.

“Akong tan-aw within the week siguro mahuman sab to ang ilang transfer station ug mawala na ang problema sa paghakot kay diha naman ibutang sa transfer station (una ihatod sa landfill),” Cuenca added.