Mayor issues fresh warning vs residents draining septage into creeks
Mayor Benjamin Magalong warned anew residents who continue to discharge their septic tank wastes directly into the creeks and rivers.
“We will identify you and we will run after you,” the mayor intoned following reports confirming that households in some barangays engage in such malpractice.
“This repulsive behavior of some residents is absolutely unacceptable. All those responsible should be charged criminally for polluting the rivers and endangering the health of the community,” the mayor added.
He said these illegal practice is being reported to the city by residents affected by the disguting practice of their neighbors and co-constituents in their barangays.
The City Environment and Parks Mansgement Office (CEPMO) team had just inspected the creek at Pidawan Loakan Proper where an overflow pipe of a septic tank was discovered to be directly discharging into the creek.
The team immediately issued a notice of violation against the culprit even as investigations continue since the problem involves two barangays traversed by the waterway.
A meeting with the kagawad in charge of the barangay’s committee on environment was also conducted to ensure constant monitoring and coordination on such illegal activities that are detrimental to the residents’ health and well-being.
In another operation, the CEPMO team was able to confirm a report that residences in Sariling Sikap, San Carlos Heights, Irisan had been draining their wastewater onto the road causing foul smell and unsanitary condition of the area.
They were directed to construct their own individual septic tanks to prevent health and sanitation risks.
CEPMO Heads Atty. Rhenan Diwas and Marivic Empizo said residents who continue to engage in this practice are culpable for violation of the city’s Environment Code, Republic Act 8749 or the Clean Air Act, Republic Act 9275 or the Philippine Water Act and Republic Act 9904 or the Magna Carta for Homeowners and Homeowners Associations. – Aileen P. Refuerzo
