The Bacolod City government has reminded residents that burning of cleared typhoon debris, such as leaves, trees and waste materials, is prohibited under the law.

As haze was unusually observed across the metro last week, Mayor Greg Gasataya said in a statement that the smoke was not caused by any fire incident but likely due to widespread backyard burning of debris left by Typhoon “Tino.”

With clearing operations continuing in the city, Gasataya called on the public to avoid burning these materials that may trigger health and safety problems in the community.

Under Republic Act (RA) 9003 or the Ecological Solid Waste Management Act (Section 48), burning of leaves and waste materials is prohibited.

Penalties that may be imposed on violators include imprisonment of one to 15 days and a corresponding fine of P300 to P1,000.

Instead of burning debris and garbage, the city government enjoins residents to gather or pile up cleared waste for collection and proper disposal by the authorities.

“Let us all do our part as we recover together. Bacolod is stronger when we work as one,” the statement further read. (PIA Negros Occidental)