MANILA — The Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) has asked Davao City Mayor Sebastian “Baste” Duterte to explain an order allegedly linked to the dumping of waste outside its regional office in Davao City.

In a letter dated Friday, DENR Regional Executive Director Mercedes Dumagan requested clarification after personnel intercepted individuals dumping mixed waste in front of the agency’s Lanang office.

Some of those caught reportedly cited a June 4 Facebook post by Duterte identifying the area as a temporary waste collection site.

The mayor has been given five days to respond. Copies of the letter were also furnished to senior DENR officials and the Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG).

The DENR said the waste dumped outside its regional office included unsegregated commercial refuse, which is not compliant with Republic Act 9003 or the Ecological Solid Waste Management Act.

“We are clarifying how these incidents came about and reiterating the importance of proper waste handling and compliance with established procedures,” Dumagan said.

She added that the designation of waste collection sites must align with Davao City’s approved Solid Waste Management Plan and the implementing rules of RA 9003.

“Our goal is to ensure that waste collection areas are properly designated and consistent with the city’s plan,” she said.

The agency said it is coordinating with the Philippine National Police to identify vehicles seen in the area during the dumping incidents for documentation and verification.

The DENR also filed a separate criminal complaint against the owner of a multipurpose vehicle allegedly captured on security footage unloading sacks of mixed waste outside the regional office.

“We are addressing individual incidents as well, including the vehicle seen on video. These steps help ensure accountability while the city continues to manage the impacts of the landfill suspension,” Dumagan added.

On May 21, the DENR ordered the temporary closure of the Davao City Sanitary Landfill in Barangay New Carmen after a trash slide on May 20 killed two people, buried 15 houses, and affected around 180 families.

The agency said the closure was intended to ensure compliance with environmental laws and proper waste management practices while the city addresses the consequences of the incident.

DENR said the request for explanation and the filing of complaints are part of ongoing efforts to enforce environmental rules and ensure accountability in waste management operations.