Authorities were alarmed by the heaps of garbage found near the Sabo Dam, located on the boundary of Laoag City and San Nicolas, Ilocos Norte.

The area, seemingly turned into a dumping site, prompted an immediate clean-up operation.

Acting on complaints received by the San Nicolas Municipal Environment and Natural Resources Office (MENRO), barangay officials and volunteers cleared the site and collected piles of waste.

The culprits behind the illegal dumping remain unidentified, as of this writing.

Chairman Inno Hernando of Barangay 3, San Nicolas, said there is a need for clarity on jurisdiction to ensure proper monitoring.

“Ang isa pong gusto nating malaman kung kaninong jurisdiction ang pinagda-dump-an nila dito sa may Sabo Dam o tabi ng ilog para mabantayan ng maayos,” he said.

“Kasi ang problema po naman, hindi naman po pwede na 24 hours na binabantayan natin ang Sabo Dam, lalo na ang barangay po is little resources at little manpower,” he added.

Councilman Marchito Ulep called for responsible waste disposal practices, as there are collection services available.

“Ti kad lang maibaga mi kadakayo nangnangruna kadi apo daytoy cellophane isu kad kitaen tayo ta adda met ti compactor nga umay agala,” he urged.

The San Nicolas LGU pledged to address the issue and maintain cleanliness in the Sabo Dam area, ensuring it is no longer used as an illegal dumping site.

Officials remind residents to practice responsible waste management to protect the environment and preserve community spaces like the Sabo Dam.