KIPLU responds to Holcim, Bacnotan LGU on toxic waste dumping denial, demands independent investigation in La Union
- Media Communications
- Mar 25
- 3 min read
La Union, Philippines — In a swift response to the Koalisyon Isalbar ti Pintas ti La Union (KIPLU) or Save the Beauty of La Union Coalition, and the Philippine Movement for Climate Justice (PMCJ)’s formal letter, calling for an investigation into alleged toxic waste dumping in Bacnotan, the Department of Environment and Natural Resources Environmental Management Bureau (DENR-EMB) conducted a meeting on Mar. 12, 2026 with the concerned parties. Following this, cement plant Holcim Philippines and the Bacnotan LGU both released statements denying the allegations.
Erwin Puhawan, PMCJ Luzon coordinator, said the statement released by the Bacnotan LGU following discussions was not sufficient to ensure Holcim’s compliance with government regulations.
“We appreciate Bacnotan LGU’s commitment to keeping communities in La Union safe from toxic hazards; however, these still will not keep the residents away from harm. The dumped waste is very much exposed and poses serious long-term threats to residents who might be exposed to these deadly chemicals. The LGU should not be quick to wave off any valid concerns, especially those involving its jurisdiction that negatively affect communities. The results of the investigations we called for are essential to remedy concerns made by our partners in La Union,” said Puhawan.
He added that PMCJ joins the call of KIPLU following the LGU’s statement to conduct independent third-party verifications of soil, air, and water quality, as well as to ensure transparency in the disclosure of relevant data, including its collection methods and frequency.
Cris Palabay of KIPLU maintained their demands for an investigation, calling for an independent monitoring of the cement plant. “We appreciate the LGU’s monitoring efforts. However, absence of evidence is not evidence of absence. Long-term risks from asbestos fibers, heavy metals, and encapsulated industrial wastes must be taken seriously.”
Palabay said that in a letter from DENR Region 1 dated March 19, 2026, the latter expressed that two Environmental Compliance Certificates (ECCs) were issued to Holcim Philippines, Inc. The first one was issued by the EMB Central Office for the operation of the cement plant, and the other ECC was issued by their office covering the encapsulation of asbestos.
PMCJ received an email from a staff member of DM&A Co., the public relations agency representing Holcim on Mar, 13, 2026 curtly dismissing the community's reports as false allegations.
“While Holcim is quick to deny the allegations of toxic dumping, they have not given much assurance to the people of La Union aside from promises of compliance and cooperation with regulatory monitoring. If the company is truly committed to ensuring public safety and, in good faith, willing to cooperate with investigative bodies, they must release information regarding their processes of waste disposal and remain transparent in their manufacturing processes' impacts on the environment,” said Puhawan.
He added that the people of La Union have cause to worry. Asbestos, one of the chemicals allegedly found in the mountains of Bacnotan, is a known carcinogen—a substance capable of causing cancer. Meanwhile, lead causes damage to the brain and nervous system of children, even in small amounts. It is even included in the World Health Organization’s 10 chemicals of major public health concern.
Puhawan added that the PMCJ takes reports like this from communities seriously. “We do not appreciate hostile words and passive-aggressive musings on ‘evidence-based discussions’ to resolve what is a legitimate problem being raised. The community and its allies are allowed to react and conduct pre-investigations to verify credible community threats.”
Palabay recalled that Holcim has also been fined for violating the Philippine Clean Water Act of 2004 following a 2018 coal spill in La Union, casting further doubt on the safety of the company’s practices and its compliance with environmental codes. “We are still waiting for DENR to update us on the final date of the joint investigation. We also request that Bacnotan LGU share with us the outcomes of the regular monitoring they are telling the public, and to aid the communities' call for transparency and evidence that Holcim is compliant with the law,” Palabay lamented.
“We have always believed in people’s knowledge and capacity to observe and protect their communities and environment. In turn, corporations whose products and manufacturing processes pose threats to local communities and the environment should be proactive in ensuring the safety of those communities and the surrounding environment. Moreover, they should be transparent in their dealings rather than causing further harm and fear. The people of La Union are brave for standing by the truth of what they are experiencing for their community, even in the face of blatant dismissal. They will be supported in their fight for their environment and safety,” Puhawan stressed. ###
For inquiries, contact:
Christian John P. Argallon
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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