Provincial and environmental authorities in Sorsogon are preparing legal and administrative charges after a video surfaced on May 4 showing sacks of garbage being dumped into the protected waters off Barangay Manurabi, Matnog—within the Ticao-Burias Pass Protected Seascape (TBPPS). The incident has sparked widespread condemnation and calls for accountability from both government agencies and environmental groups.
Immediate Response and Investigation
Following the release of the video on Sunday, May 4, government agencies were promptly alerted through calls, text messages, and emails. An emergency inter-agency meeting was convened the next morning, attended by representatives from the Municipal Environment and Natural Resources Offices (MENRO) of Bulan and Matnog, the Philippine Coast Guard, the Department of Interior and Local Government, the Matnog LGU, and the Provincial Tourism Office.
Daniel Jazmin, Provincial Environment and Natural Resources Officer (PENRO), confirmed that the DENR and Coast Guard immediately launched an investigation. Initial findings, backed by admissions from barangay officials, revealed that the dumping was carried out by the officials themselves. “The raw information and admission point to the barangay officials as those who threw the garbage,” Jazmin said, adding that the DENR confirmed the presence of the barangay chairman on the boat.
Systemic Waste Management Issues in Matnog
The investigation uncovered longstanding issues with waste management in Matnog, particularly in remote and island barangays. MENRO Matnog acknowledged during the meeting that logistical and budget constraints have hampered regular waste collection.
Despite these limitations, Jazmin stressed that they do not justify illegal dumping. “Regardless of the waste matter, it was the barangay officials who threw the garbage. The LGU’s waste management shortcomings cannot be used as an excuse for such actions,” he said.
He also pointed out that other coastal municipalities in Sorsogon—including Magallanes, Bulan, Casiguran, and Barcelona—have managed to implement effective waste collection systems even in far-flung areas.
Reports of Repeated Offenses
While barangay officials did not admit to repeated violations, Jazmin disclosed that several residents reported that such dumping has been a recurring practice in the area. “There’s no confession, but we received a lot of information from residents that this didn’t happen just once—it became a practice of the barangay,” he noted.
Legal and Administrative Action
Bobby Gigantone, head of the Sorsogon Provincial Tourism and Cultural Affairs Office, and Jazmin both confirmed that legal action will be pursued under existing laws, including the Ecological Solid Waste Management Act (Republic Act 9003). Administrative and criminal charges may be filed against the involved barangay officials, and the LGU may also be held accountable.
Because the Ticao-Burias Pass is a protected area, the Sorsogon provincial government, as part of its management board, is expected to recommend appropriate sanctions in the upcoming Protected Area Management Board (PAMB) meeting.
Jazmin added that the issue would be a major agenda item in the next meeting of the Provincial Solid Waste Management Board, with a focus on improving monitoring and enforcement mechanisms to prevent future violations.
Calls for Accountability and Reform
The incident drew strong condemnation from environmental organizations. Manuel Narvadez Jr., Program Manager of WWF-Philippines’ Donsol Integrated Conservation Program, issued a statement:
“We strongly condemn this act, which is a gross violation of national laws, including the Solid Waste Management Act (RA 9003), the ENIPAS Act (RA 11038), and other laws related to marine pollution. We urge the concerned LGU to establish an effective waste collection system in all its barangays. Those responsible for this violation must be held accountable. There must be strict enforcement of environmental laws, especially within protected areas.”
Both Gigantone and Jazmin emphasized the gravity of the offense, particularly given Sorsogon’s commitment to environmental protection and sustainable tourism.
“It’s high time we take this seriously. With so many laws not being enforced, what’s the point? Let this be a wake-up call—especially since public officials are involved,” said Gigantone.
“The LGU of Matnog must be held accountable under the law,” Jazmin added. “Other municipalities have managed proper waste collection in remote areas—Matnog should not be an exception.”
Looking Ahead
The provincial government is expected to issue formal recommendations and pursue legal proceedings to hold those responsible to account. Officials say this case could serve as a landmark for environmental governance in Sorsogon. It also underscores the urgent need for improved waste management, stronger enforcement of environmental laws, and public officials’ accountability in protecting the fragile ecosystems within the Ticao-Burias Pass Protected Seascape.
Photos: PENRO Sorsogon