TAGOLOAN, Misamis Oriental – Police said they filed theft charges Monday against at least 30 "scavengers" who were caught salvaging trash deposits inside the Phividec Industrial Estate last week.
Maj. Allan Oniana, Tagoloan Police Station chief, said the suspects were caught last Thursday inside the facility of Verde Soko, where tons of imported trash from South Korea is deposited.
The garbage is part of several shipments early this year that were found "misdeclared" by the Bureau of Customs. Some of the trash has been shipped back to South Korea after it generated an outcry from local officials and pro-environment groups.
Oniana identified the arrested persons as Alex Medio, Arlon Gamayan, Marito Bunghanoy, Dodong Palak, Almer Enrequiz, Rosalyn Edoria, Christopher Lamantucan, ResieMinester, Dennies Montero, Dodong Apoya, Wella Lagrada, Belen Siguay, Melania Agustin, Jenefer Cape, Alvin Loretero, Rosana Medio, Maricel Mabale, Nimpa Sadlawan, Jimmy Edoria, Caen Manrawat, Cerilena Mial, Dian Ramos, Gloria Ayoman, Ronald Mabanta, Manrawat Ferdinand, Garry Mial, Freddie Almeral, Jun-jun Palarin, Caren Galas and Elmor Sabit. They are all residents of Baranagy Carmen, Cagayan de Oro City, police said.
Oniana said that in their defense, the suspects claimed that they were given permission by Verde Soko to salvage the trash.
Verde Soko itself is facing charges for illegally importing the garbage, which it said would be used in its recycling facility. (PNA)
