Olivarez orders probe of trash pileups in Parañaque

MANILA, Philippines — Parañaque Mayor Eric Olivarez has ordered an investigation into possible “sabotage and deliberate acts” by the city’s former garbage hauling contractor that resulted in trash pileups during the recent Christmas and New Year celebrations.

In a statement over the weekend, Olivarez said he received reports that water and electrical facilities, as well as the sewage treatment plant or STP, in the city’s garbage transfer station were disabled by the previous contractor, which prevented the processing of trash when the new contractor took over on Jan. 1.

“These are serious allegations. We will be asking the previous contractor for an explanation,” he said.

“Nevertheless, we are happy to announce that despite the glitch, our garbage collection has returned to normal. There are no more pileups along major and secondary roads as well as inside subdivisions and communities,” Olivarez added.

He thanked the city’s 16 barangay captains for their support and cooperation, which he said was instrumental in the immediate resolution of the garbage problem.

Garbage piled up in the streets of Parañaque during the holidays as the former contractor reportedly started pulling out personnel and trucks as evidenced by complaints received by the City Environment and Natural Resources Office.