Manila gov’t outs video ‘proof’ of garbage sabotage

The local government of Manila, in a prepared statement supported by video footage, announced that it has found proof of an effort to sabotage the administration by dumping a small truckload of garbage on 9 January 2024, along Mel Lopez Boulevard in Tondo, Manila.

Two suspects were arrested and charged at the Manila City Prosecutor’s Office. They were identified as Pablo Fajardo, a 60-year-old male garbage collector and resident of Manila, and Jake Aguilar, a 24-year-old male garbage collector, also from Manila.

The two individuals were allegedly caught dumping wrapped garbage at approximately 7:45 p.m. in Barangay 105, Zone 8, Tondo, Manila.

“Now you see! There are those who are sabotaging Manila,” Manila Public Information Office chief, Atty. Princess Abante, said.

According to the report from the Manila City Hall Task Force (MCHTF), a complaint was received by the Department of Public Services about an ongoing illegal dumping of trash.

The video showed an industrial truck with the plate number RJY 899, dumping garbage.

The MCHTF, in a follow-up investigation, identified the truck’s owner as Edgar Alde y Solmiano, a 58-year-old junk shop owner residing at Aroma Compound, Barangay 105, Zone 8, Tondo, Manila.

Solmiano later admitted that the two suspects worked for him at the time.

According to Abante, the incident strengthened the suspicion that there is an effort to sabotage Mayor Honey Lacuna’s administration, particularly concerning the issue of uncollected garbage in various parts of the city after the holiday season.