By MERLINDA A. PEDROSA

The Bacolod City Legal Office (CLO) is conducting a thorough investigation to determine the owner of a drop-side utility truck that was caught on camera dumping garbage illegally along Burgos Street in Barangay 19.

CLO head Karol Joseph Chiu said they have already coordinated with the Land Transportation Office (LTO) to identify the registered owner of the utility truck, who may face charges or penalties.

A video of the illegal dumping was posted on social media last week, showing the truck and two unidentified individuals unlawfully disposing of garbage along Burgos Street.

Chiu said they will also determine whether the individuals involved have any previous record of illegal dumping so that appropriate charges may be filed against them.

Aside from the incident in Barangay 19, Chiu said an unidentified truck driver was also caught illegally disposing of garbage in Barangay Estefania.

He added that the CLO is coordinating with Barangay Estefania officials to determine the identity of the truck driver.

Once they have gathered all the necessary information, Chiu said the violator will be charged with violating the city’s anti-littering ordinance and Republic Act No. 9003, or the Ecological Solid Waste Management Act of 2000.

Chiu warned that the city will trace and file charges against anyone caught illegally dumping garbage./MAP, WDJ