Groups call urgent DENR probe into alleged dumping of toxic waste in La Union
- Media Communications
- Mar 9
- 2 min read
La Union, Philippines — Koalisyon Isalbar ti Pintas ti La Union (KIPLU) or Save the Beauty of La Union Coalition, together with the Philippine Movement for Climate Justice (PMCJ), sent a formal letter to the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR), demanding an investigation into the reports on the alleged burial of toxic waste in the mountain areas of Ubbog and Paagan, and Bacnotan, La Union.
KIPLU calls for an immediate investigation into the Holcim Cement Factory due to growing concerns about groundwater safety, public health, and the well-being of nearby communities. The alleged encapsulated hazardous materials include asbestos, lead, mercury, and gypsum, which are known to be highly toxic substances that often cause severe health issues.
“The health effects of these substances pose a real threat to the people who are exposed to them. We need to know whether the encapsulation process was legitimate and properly executed to ensure it does not pose an immediate health risk. There is an urgent need to investigate it thoroughly because of its probable long-term environmental and health risk,” said Ruben Guieb, PMCJ resident scientist.
Guieb added that both lead and mercury do not biodegrade, so if encapsulation of these substances fails, they can leach into soil and eventually reach groundwater. Asbestos fibers and gypsum dust, on the other hand, can be frequently found in the air and pose serious threats.
Concerned groups outlined three critical areas of concern: (1) Disclosure of Project Documents and Permits; (2) Amendments, Supplemental Environmental Impact Statement (EIS), and Conditions of Disposal; and (3) Health Impact Assessment and Department of Health (DOH) Conditions.
“We have been residents in this area for years, and if toxic substances like that are indeed buried in our mountains without proper safeguards, it is a disaster waiting to happen. Any disposal strategy by any company, which is not explicitly detailed to the community, may constitute a major violation of the DENR regulations,” said Cris Palabay, KIPLU president.
“The handling and storage of mercury are contained in the Minamata Convention, which will make accountable not just the DENR but the company and the local government as well, found violating or in neglect of enforcing the convention,” Palabay stressed.
PMCJ, KIPLU, and other concerned citizens are calling on the DENR to conduct an immediate site visit and inspection of the mentioned sites, halt any ongoing waste disposal, and disclose all related environmental clearances to the public. ###
For inquiries, contact:
Danica Espedillon
Junior Media and Communications Officer
Philippine Movement for Climate Justice
For other PMCJ-related concerns, contact:
Sheila Abarra
Senior Media and Communications Officer
Philippine Movement for Climate Justice
Viber: +639916692356
WhatsApp: +639380898327
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