DENR to shut down establishments polluting Bangkulasi River in Navotas

The Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) will shut down erring establishments that pollute the Bangkulasi River in Navotas as part of the continuing efforts to rehabilitate Manila Bay.

"'Yung mga nagpo-pollute, kasalukuyang kinukuha na namin 'yung commercial establishments na nagpo-pollute ng ilog and CDOs (cease and desist orders) will be served," DENR Undersecretary Benny Antiporda said in a report by Sandra Aguinaldo on GMA's 24 Oras.

Navotas City Mayor Toby Tiangco said that the portion of the river between the Lapu-Lapu Avenue and C3 Road is the most polluted.

The water in that part of the river was dark-colored and teeming with garbage.

Many boats and makeshift houses are also present in the area.

"Sumulat na tayo sa Navotas fish port na i-accommodate 'yung mga bangka dito," Tiangco said.

The DENR said it targets to significantly decrease the coliform level in Bangkulasi River by December.

It added that desludging activities will be conducted in the river with the help of the Department of Public Works and Highways. —Dona Magsino/LDF, GMA News