MANILA–Government agencies and environmental groups met to discuss the next steps regarding suspected electronic waste (e-waste) shipments in the Subic Bay Freeport Zone.

The meeting focused on possible courses of action and coordination among concerned agencies. Participants agreed to submit position papers to support the evaluation of legal, regulatory, and policy options. They also discussed measures to strengthen existing mechanisms and prevent similar incidents in the future.

Among those present were Bureau of Customs (BOC) Commissioner Ariel F. Nepomuceno and other BOC officials, along with representatives from the Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority (SBMA), the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR), the Office of the Solicitor General (OSG), EcoWaste Coalition, BAN Toxics, and other concerned agencies.

The agencies were encouraged to continue carrying out their respective mandates while legal proceedings are ongoing. They also committed to maintaining close coordination to ensure that all actions comply with existing laws, regulations, and national policies on environmental protection and responsible waste management.

The meeting followed a joint inspection conducted on July 1, 2026, by the DENR–Environmental Management Bureau (DENR-EMB), the BOC, and the SBMA at nine recycling locators in the Subic Bay Freeport Zone. The inspection was carried out in response to reports of suspected e-waste and forms part of government efforts to ensure compliance with environmental and customs regulations and to protect public health and the environment.