He said it would be impossible for the church to monitor the illegal dumping in the area.
Flores said DEQ is the lead agency in enforcing the anti-litter law.
“We can’t demand priests to enforce the law. That’s not their job,” he said.
Even though the mayor’s office and the Department of Public Works have started cleaning the cemetery in preparation for All Saints Day, illegal dumping in the area continues.
The mayor’s office dispatched its heavy equipment and personnel in collaboration with DPW to work full time at the cemetery.
The Koblerville Neighborhood Watch Task led by Rose Ada-Hocog also initiated a cleanup drive at the cemetery.
On Wednesday, Dolores Nuique, a volunteer, sorted the trash dumped at the back of the cemetery and discovered household utensils, presumably from nearby houses.
Nuique also disclosed that the sand brought by Coastal Resources Management and DPW to the cemetery has been stolen.
She showed to Variety a piece of paper bearing the name of a person who could be the owner of the trash found in the area.
Nuique also has the plate number of the pickup truck that hauled the sand.
The same vehicle was spotted last year in the area, she said.
She said she has already reported the incident to the authorities.
Flores said the mayor’s office and DPW personnel are expected to complete the cleanup of the cemetery today.
“People should also help prevent the illegal dumping at the cemetery,” he said.
He urged members of the community to maintain the cleanliness of the area, saying that his office and DPW personnel can no longer visit the cemetery this weekend.
