Residents of a town in Mindoro Island are demanding action against an asphalt plant they blame for causing noxious fumes and respiratory illnesses, accusing LGU officials and environmental regulators of neglect.
Residents in San Jose town in Occidental Mindoro province say a persistent, foul odor from the facility has led to widespread health complaints, including headaches, chest pain and breathing difficulties.
They say the problem has been ongoing since the plant began operations earlier this year.
People’s frustration grew after a promised vacuum system to capture emissions was never installed, residents said.
Social media posts from Nov. 19, 2025 showed thick smoke emanating from the plant, further inflaming public sentiment.
Two residents from the affected areas have reportedly died in recent months.
While some residents have linked the deaths to prolonged exposure to the fumes, there has been no official medical confirmation.
Activist Leonardo Paguagan Barboza of the Lingap Para sa Bayan Movement said residents have launched a signature campaign and are seeking the help of Sen. Raffy Tulfo, signaling a loss of trust in San Jose LGU leadership.
“We have exhausted all communication channels,” Barboza said. “The silence from our leaders is deafening while our families suffer.”
Despite repeated complaints, Mayor Rey C. Ladaga and Vice Mayor Sonny Javier have not issued public statements or ordered the plant’s suspension.
The Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) field office in Occidental Mindoro has also not taken public enforcement action.
Residents allege the plant is operating without proper permits and that the land was improperly reclassified from agricultural to industrial use.
The mayor’s office and the DENR did not immediately respond to requests for comment from Mindoro netizens.
Barangay leaders say the issue has escalated from a local environmental complaint to a matter of public health and governmental accountability, warning that the controversy could reach national attention if LGU officials continue to remain silent.
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