11-08-2025
Residents complain vs. foul burnt copper smell in Tondo, Manila
Authorities have intensified patrolling activities as they search for individuals who burn copper wires resulting in the emission of a foul stench in Barangay 104 in Tondo, Manila.
According to Bea Pinlac's report in '24 Oras' on Monday, residents of Barangay 104 found it difficult to sleep on Sunday because of the stench after a group of men were caught burning copper wires near Capulong Highway.
'Magigising ka na lang, mangangamoy tanso na. Akala namin nasusunog na 'yung lugar namin. Unang una po, 'yung health namin. May sanggol din po sa amin at saka mga senior po,' said resident Emmart Bucio.
(You'll just wake up to the smell of copper. We thought our place was on fire. First and foremost, it's our health. We also have a baby and seniors live here.)
The men sell the copper wires to a junk shop after burning them, the report added.
Meanwhile, barangay officials said it has been responding to complaints every night about a group that included minors visiting their area. However, they manage to evade authorities.
'Kapag kagat po ng dilim, magpe-prepare na sila na mag-sindi ng kanilang mga kalakal na susunugin, na hindi talaga taga sa amin. Alam nila yung kalakalan, aral sila sa ganyang negosyo,' said barangay tanod Kenneth Gallevo.
(When darkness falls, they'll start preparing to light their stolen goods to burn... they are not from our area. They know this trade well, they are experts in that kind of business.)
Environmental law violation
Open burning or burning of garbage is strictly prohibited under the Ecological Waste Management Act of 2000.
The Department of Environment and Natural Resources warned that open burning of wastes is a threat to one's health and a contributor to global warming, the report added. — Vince Angelo Ferreras/BAP, GMA Integrated News
