AUTHORITIES were asked on Tuesday to conduct an independent investigation into the operation of a hazardous and health-care waste-treatment facility in Silang, Cavite, following reports that some of the residents fell ill after inhaling hazardous gases.

The Cavite Green Coalition (CGC), a provincial-wide alliance of 28 different cause-oriented groups, and the waste and pollution watchdog EcoWaste Coalition made the appeal after Cleanway Technology Corp. (CTC) defied a cease-and-desist order issued by the local government of Silang, Cavite.

Silang Mayor Clarito Poblete on October 15 ordered the company “to immediately cease and desist” from operating their plant located at Meridian Industrial Park II in response to numerous complaints received by his office.  The order was addressed to CTC president Crispino de Castro Jr.

The cease-and-desist order from the Silang chief executive came following the complaints referring to two disturbing toxic incidents early this month.

On October 14, 31 residents of barangay Maguyam, site of the CTC plant, were rushed to the nearby Pagamutang Bayan ng Carmona after falling ill purportedly due to noxious fumes discharged from the huge hazardous and health-care waste-treatment facility.

A few days later, on October 24, 27 residents were again brought to the same hospital for treatment after being exposed to toxic emissions that allegedly came from the 300 container drums of CTC.

Task Force Cleanway has been formed to investigate the matter with members from the Mimaropa Department of Environment and Natural Resources office, Laguna Lake Development Authority, Silang Municipal Health Office, Community Environment and Natural Resources Office, Provincial Environment and Natural Resources Office  and the Provincial Government Environment and Natural Resources Office.  “Officials and residents of barangay Maguyam for the last four years have been complaining against the repeated discharge of toxic fumes allegedly coming from the CTC plant.

The last two incidents that victimized helpless adults and children alike only fired up the community opposition against the plant which they themselves would like to shut down now,” said Ochie Tolentino, coordinator of the Cavite Green Coalition.

“We urge Task Force Cleanway to get to the bottom of the toxic mess. Please ensure an open, impartial, exhaustive and credible investigation that will fully address the various complaints and demands lodged by community leaders and residents, as well as by employees of other firms operating in barangay Maguyam,” said Manny Calonzo, president of the EcoWaste Coalition.