Content creator Boss Toyo has apologized following the backlash over his comments about the controversial dumpsite in an Aeta ancestral domain in Subic, Zambales, which was featured in broadcast journalist Kara David’s ‘I-Witness’ documentary, ‘Ibinasurang Paraiso’.
The controversy began after Boss Toyo visited the former dumpsite and shared his observations on social media, saying he did not notice a foul odor and that, based on information from local officials, no community had been displaced from the area. His post prompted criticism from netizens, with some accusing him of contradicting the findings presented in David’s documentary.
In a Facebook post, Boss Toyo issued a public apology, saying he had no intention of downplaying the environmental issue or defending anyone.
“Gusto ko lang humingi ng pasensya sa aking naratibo sa pagbisita ko sa dumpsite sa Subic. Parehas niyo ayaw ko din makita ang ating kabundukan na maging tapunan ng basura. Kaya nga po ako nagpunta doon agad dahil para makita ang kalagayan nila,” he wrote.
He explained that his account was based solely on what he personally witnessed during his visit and on information shared by village officials near the dumpsite.
“Ang aking naratibo ay ang aking naabutan sa dumpsite at ang iba na kasagutan ay mismo sa mga namamahala at mga kagawad sa komunidad sa malapit sa dumpsite. Walang sobra, walang kulang.”
Boss Toyo also stressed that, regardless of whether there was a foul smell, flies, or nearby communities, the larger issue remains the country’s growing waste problem.
“Gusto ko din lang mamulat tayo na sa atin din galing ang mga basura na ‘yan. Sa siyudad na wala nang mapaglagyan. Kung hindi tayo magkakadisiplina, tanggapin man natin o hindi, darating ang araw na talagang marami pang dumpsite na katulad nito ang makikita natin.”
He added that he had no intention of arguing with critics and instead urged the public to reduce their use of plastics and non-recyclable materials.
The issue stemmed from ‘Ibinasurang Paraiso’, an ‘I-Witness’ documentary that examined the impact of an illegal dumpsite on an Aeta ancestral domain in Sitio Tibag, Subic. The report cited findings from the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR), which ordered the closure of the dumpsite after determining that it violated the Ecological Solid Waste Management Act. The documentary also featured interviews with Aeta residents, the National Commission on Indigenous Peoples (NCIP), and representatives of the local government.
Amid the online debate, Kara David responded to social media discussions by explaining that her team spent more than a month researching the issue and gathered statements from all concerned parties, including government agencies, indigenous communities, and the local government.
In a follow-up message after his apology, Boss Toyo also acknowledged David’s contribution in bringing attention to the issue.
“Magpasalamat tayo kay Ma’am Kara at nakita natin ang ganito. Dapat matuto tayo lalo na sa paggamit ng mga non-recyclable materials dahil tayo mismo ang dahilan kung bakit may ganitong karaming basura.”