The Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) on Monday demanded an explanation from Davao City Mayor Sebastian “Baste” Duterte regarding recent incidents of waste dumping outside its regional office.

The agency also filed a criminal complaint against the owner of a vehicle allegedly caught on video dumping mixed waste at the site.

In a letter dated Monday, DENR regional executive director Mercedes Dumagan requested clarification from the mayor after agency personnel intercepted individuals dumping unsegregated trash in front of the DENR Region XI office in the city’s Lanang district.

Dumagan said the agency is investigating the incidents while stressing the importance of proper waste management. An initial report indicated the dumped materials consisted of unsegregated commercial refuse, a violation of the Ecological Solid Waste Management Act.

“We are clarifying how these incidents came about and reiterating the importance of proper waste handling and compliance with established procedures,” Dumagan said. “Our goal is to ensure that waste collection areas are properly designated and consistent with the city’s plan.”

The regional office is coordinating with the Philippine National Police to identify the vehicles involved.

“We are addressing individual incidents as well, including the vehicle seen on video,” Dumagan said.