BACOLOD City – The Bacolod Environment and Natural Resources Office (BENRO) is conducting an ongoing investigation into reports of a group allegedly posing as garbage collectors to solicit cash donations in this city.
Mayor Greg Gasataya urged the public to remain cautious amid reports of individuals and groups claiming to represent garbage collectors and seeking financial contributions, noting that BENRO is currently looking into the matter.
Gasataya said several fake documents have reportedly been circulating in connection with an association claiming to represent garbage collectors in Bacolod City.
He warned residents against being easily swayed by information shared on social media, stressing that not all online posts are accurate and should be properly verified.
“BENRO is investigating the matter. There are many fake documents circulating regarding an association that is allegedly soliciting funds among garbage collectors in Bacolod City. The public should not be easily influenced by information on social media,” the mayor said, adding that the results of the investigation are still being awaited.
In line with this, BENRO officer-in-charge Atty. Allyn Luv Dignadice clarified that the city government, in coordination with its new private garbage contractor, International Solid Waste Integrated Management Specialists Inc. (I-SWIMS), has not authorized any individual or organization to solicit donations or cash contributions on behalf of garbage collectors.
The clarification followed a complaint filed before BENRO involving a group calling itself the Garbage Collector Association Bacolod City, which allegedly sought donations to assist a hospitalized member.
“We highly discourage giving cash donations to individuals claiming to be garbage collectors. A lot can happen, and there are scammers the public must be wary of,” Dignadice said.
She also acknowledged that complaints regarding uncollected garbage continue to be reported despite the normalization of collection schedules across the city.
Dignadice called on barangay officials and residents to work closely with the city government, particularly in addressing illegal dumping, which she said worsens Bacolod’s waste management concerns.
Meanwhile, I-SWIMS has begun clearing waste backlogs and addressing lingering issues left by the previous service provider.
Daily waste collection in Bacolod City now averages between 1,700 and 2,500 cubic meters, with all collected waste transported to the sanitary landfill in Barangay Felisa./PN
