By CESAR JOLITO III

The Land Transportation Office in the Negros Island Region (LTO-NIR) has issued a show-cause order against the registered owner of a truck involved in the illegal dumping of construction debris at the Bredco Reclamation Area in Bacolod City.

The order was served by the agency’s intelligence and investigation unit at the registered owner’s residence along Kametal Road in Barangay Bata.

Although the respondent was not present during the visit, LTO personnel explained the contents of the order to a family member who received the document.

The administrative action stemmed from a viral video showing four men unloading construction waste from a truck at the reclamation area, drawing public attention and prompting action from city authorities, including Bacolod Mayor Greg Gasataya.

LTO-NIR said the investigation aims to determine possible violations of environmental laws and transportation regulations connected to the vehicle owner.

The Bacolod City Legal Office and the Bacolod Environment and Natural Resources Office (Benro) have already imposed local sanctions on the truck owner, who admitted ordering his workers to dump the debris illegally.

City authorities ordered the owner to pay a P2,500 fine along with an additional capacity fee and required the immediate removal of the dumped materials from the site.

Meanwhile, Gasataya announced that Benro plans to install 24 large steel waste bins in several barangays as part of efforts to curb illegal dumping.

Barangay officials will also be required to monitor the designated areas to ensure proper waste disposal.

LTO-NIR also urged residents to continue reporting environmental violations to help strengthen enforcement and protect public spaces./CJ, WDJ