The incident has resulted to a fatality.
In its directive last Tuesday, February 24, the Department of Environment and Natural Resources-Environmental Management Bureau (DENR-EMB) CALABARZON issued a cease-and-desist order (CDO) against Green Leap Solid Waste Management, Inc. sanitary landfill.
The said facility, located in Rodriguez, Rizal, saw major trash slide event last February 20, which resulted to one confirmed fatality, said the government office in its order, that also covers the Phase 5 of the SLF covering approximately 6 hectares.
According to investigators from the DENR-EMB CALABARZON, approximately 420,000 cubic meters of waste eroded from the active tipping area, which reportedly buried three units of heavy equipment.
“A follow-up investigation on 23 February 2026 revealed several operational lapses, erosion of the active tipping area, foul odor from exposed waste, and a visible crack in the adjacent bench waste that threatens further collapse. Multiple violations of conditions in the proponent’s Environmental Compliance Certificate (ECC) were also documented,” added thr DENR in its media release.
In response to the incident, DENR-EMB CALABARZON ordered in its prior memorandum the immediate cessation of all landfill operations in Phase 5, except for emergency and remedial activities such as retrieval operations, slope stabilization, debris clearing, and installation of engineering controls to prevent further erosion.
In addition, a strict “no-entry” policy was also imposed to protect the public and prevent interference with rescue and rehabilitation efforts.
DENR CALABARZON Regional Executive Director Nilo Tamoria stated: “Our priority is to ensure the immediate stabilization of the site to prevent further environmental degradation and to hold the proponent strictly accountable for these operational lapses.“
“We will not tolerate negligence that puts the environment and public safety at risk,” he emphasized.
“To ensure continued waste management services while safeguarding nearby communities, the proponent was advised to move the active tipping area from Phase 5 to another portion of the SLF to ensure stability and safety,” furthered the DENR office.
In connection with the CDO, Green Leap Solid Waste Management, Inc. was also required to submit a detailed report within five days.
“DENR-EMB CALABARZON continues to closely monitor the site to ensure that rehabilitation, leveling, and slope stabilization works are completed promptly and in compliance with environmental standards,” they ended the statement.