Navotas city: Heavy equipment has been mobilized to assist in extinguishing smoke at the Navotas Sanitary Landfill, following the completion of a crucial access road. This development comes as the road leading to the landfill has been finalized, facilitating the movement of firefighting machinery, including backhoes, bulldozers, dump trucks, and dredgers, into the area. According to Philippines News Agency, the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) confirmed the road's completion on Sunday, enabling the deployment of heavy equipment to combat the toxic smoke emanating from the landfill. This smoke poses a health threat to residents in Caloocan, Malabon, Navotas, and Bulacan province. The fire, which erupted on April 10, has significantly impacted local communities. DPWH Secretary Vince Dizon's recent visit to the site expedited the deployment of the equipment. Dizon stated that the agency plans to borrow additional dredgers from the private sector to bolster the firefighting efforts. In response t o the hazardous conditions, Philippine National Police (PNP) Chief Gen. Jose Melencio Nartatez Jr. has activated unit commanders to enforce strict health protocols for officers across Metro Manila and nearby provinces. Nartatez emphasized the importance of protective gear and adjustments in police deployment to safeguard personnel working amid the adverse atmospheric conditions. Elevated levels of fine particulate matter (PM2.5) have been detected in several parts of the capital region, posing significant health risks. The smoke from the Navotas City landfill has further exacerbated the situation, causing air quality to reach unhealthy levels. To mitigate the impact on affected communities, local police units have been instructed to distribute face masks in areas experiencing heavy smog and poor air quality.