Davao city: The city government confirmed on Tuesday the temporary suspension of operations at the Barangay New Carmen Sanitary Landfill effective May 22, following the mass wasting incident on May 20 that left one person dead, two injured, and two missing.

According to Philippines News Agency, City Information Office head Harvey Lanticse stated that the suspension complies with the order issued by the Department of Environment and Natural Resources-Davao (DENR-11). "This morning, May 26, the city filed a Motion for Reconsideration with DENR-11, citing geotechnical assessments conducted at the site and the recommended corrective measures for the existing landfill facility," Lanticse said.

Authorities reported that the collapse occurred at about 1:15 p.m. when a mountain of garbage gave way due to water buildup from heavy rains, burying a nearby house. DENR-11 Regional Director Maria Mercedes Dumagan explained that the suspension would allow the city to implement slope stabilization and other corrective actions to comply with Republic Act 9003 (Ecological Solid Waste Management Act) and the conditions of its Environmental Compliance Certificate (ECC).

"In the meantime, let us place our trust in their plans and follow their directives to ensure public safety," Dumagan said. She and Lanticse reminded residents to properly segregate waste at home to reduce landfill volume and support recycling and recovery efforts. The City Environment and Natural Resources Office continues garbage collection as scheduled.

"Moving forward, the city will utilize its new landfill facility adjacent to the existing site in Barangay New Carmen," Lanticse added. Meanwhile, Capt. Hazel Caballero, spokesperson of the Davao City Police Office, said the search and retrieval operation continues for the two missing persons.