The Bagong Alyansang Makabayan (Bayan)-Rizal called on the local government of Rodriguez, Rizal to immediately conduct an investigation into the Barangay 1B Harangan landfill collapse on the afternoon of February 20. The group said the cause of the collapse and those responsible for the incident must immediately be identified.

According to the latest report, the collapse affected at least 100 people, 50 of whom remain missing. A former member of Anakpawis Partylist is among those believed to have been buried under the garbage heap. The municipality and barangay did not conduct immediate rescue action after the incident.

An information blockade meant to conceal the tragedy from the public was also imposed, according to Bayan-Rizal. The media was barred from entering the collapse site, which is being cordoned off by International Solid Waste Integrated Management Specialist Inc. (ISWIM) and the police. A scavenger who posted his photo of the aftermath on social media was later approached by ISWIM personnel, and forced him to delete the said photo.

The landfill in Barangay 1B Harangan is a garbage dumping site for cities and towns in the National Capital Region, including Makati, Mandaluyong, Pasig, Pasay, Caloocan, Taguig, Pateros, Marikina, San Juan, Parañaque, Muntinlupa, Valenzuela, and Las Piñas.

“The safety of the community must not be sacrificed for profit and neglect. Justice for the victims!” Bayan-Rizal demanded.

This tragedy aside, the community has long faced a land dispute. The property is being claimed by New San Jose Builders Inc. (NSJBI), owned by Jerry Acuzar, who was secretary of the Department of Human Settlements and Urban Developments from 2022 to 2025. In 2023, residents reported a land survey in the area linked to attempted land grabbing. Many also suspect that same year’s community fire was a deliberate eviction attempt.

The Kalipunan ng Damayang Mahihirap (Kadamay) joined the call for justice for Barangay 1B Harangan residents. The group also demanded immediate protection of the livelihoods and safety of poor scavengers, a stop to any demolition of or harassment in the community, and accountability for all companies profiting from operations that endanger the lives of the poor.