SEVERAL government agencies are planning to file cases against those behind the entry of garbage from South Korea to Cebu.
The plastic wastes, however, are expected to be transported back to its origin today.
Atty. Noel Felongco, undersecretary of the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR), lamented the shipment of the trash in the country.
“We have enough garbage in our country. Why are we allowing this? I will recommend the filing of cases against those who are responsible for this,” he said.
Mandaue City Mayor Luigi Quisumbing said he has also directed the City Legal Office to file cases. The mayor disclosed that the Bureau of Customs (BOC) Port of Cebu is planning to file separate suits.
Quisumbing met with the BOC officials yesterday to discuss why the trash reached the city.
They also laid down protocols that need to be followed if confronted with the same situation.
According to Quisumbing, the plastic wastes dumped in Espina Warehouse in Barangays Guizo and Tingub were hauled yesterday.
“It will be shipped back to Korea anytime today because the BOC has ordered that it will be returned to its origin,” he said.
BOC Cebu District Collector Elvira Cruz has earlier issued a warrant of seizure and detention against Moving Forward Global trading Inc., the consignee of the garbage that was declared as non-coniferous wood chips recycled synthetic resin.
The garbage was transported from Jeju, South Korea to Cebu on board MV Cristina.
As for DENR, EMB 7 Director Engr. Willian Cuñado said they submitted a report to their central office recommending the immediate shipment of the wastes to Korea.
Based on their investigation, EMB found that the shipper failed to secure a clearance required in importing recyclable materials from other country.
Cuñado said a copy of their report was sent to BOC for their appropriate action.