The Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) has halted operations at a waste facility located within the ancestral domain of an Aeta community in Subic, Zambales.

DENR Secretary Juan Miguel Cuna issued a cease-and-desist order against the operator of the dump in Barangay Naugsol following complaints from environmentalists and indigenous groups citing health risks.

The facility, which began operations in 2019 and was only discovered in 2022, is now being replaced by an alternative site in Floridablanca, Pampanga.

Indigenous communities and environmental advocates have long raised concerns about the impact of such facilities on local ecosystems and the rights of native populations.The closure underscores ongoing tensions between development projects and indigenous land sovereignty.This decision aligns with broader efforts to address waste management challenges while respecting ecological boundaries and human rights.The incident highlights the need for sustainable waste solutions that prioritize both environmental protection and community welfare.