FOLLOWING reports of environmental violations and disrespectful conduct during their production in San Marcelino, Zambales, local officials and netizens in the said municipality are chiding those behind the film shoot for the upcoming movie ‘Salvage Land’ which is said to be directed by Lino Cayetano.
Residents splashed photos taken on June 21, 2025 on social media which showed trash — primarily cardboard props, plastic materials, and paper scraps — scattered across the Sto. Tomas River area in Barangay Rabanes, one of the movie’s shooting locations. The debris, they complained, were left behind by the production crew after wrapping up their scenes.
Municipal authorities led by Mayor Elmer Soria, were quick to act, immediately directing the Municipal Environment and Natural Resources Office (MENRO) to investigate the incident. The LGU noted that this was a clear violation of the Ecological Solid Waste Management Act (RA 9003) and the town’s own environmental ordinances.
Vice Mayor Jimbo Ragadio Gongora also responded promptly after seeing a social media post at 12:09 a.m. of June 21. He reached out to the production team, visited the area the following morning and confirmed the presence of scattered waste.
He later shared that the crew was asked to explain the incident and to conduct immediate cleanup efforts, as photos from the vice mayor’s official page later show a crew member collecting trash the next morning.
While the production team secured a local permit, residents and critics argue this does not absolve them of their responsibility to follow environmental protocols.
Residents and tourists also echoed their sentiments online claiming that the crew showed “little regard for the community and the environment.”
As cleanup efforts were carried out after public outcry, local officials assured that measures are being put in place to prevent similar issues in future projects. The LGU emphasized that while San Marcelino is open to supporting film and media endeavors, compliance with environmental laws is non-negotiable.
