MANILA — The Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) on Thursday confirmed that an "operation" is underway to address Siargao's trash situation, a photo of which went viral on social media this week.

In a phone interview, Environment Undersecretary Benny Antiporda told ABS-CBN News that DENR is currently working on a plan concerning the island's waste issue.

"Mag-ooperate kami diyan... Tinatrabaho ko pa. We're just finishing this problem with the waste," Antiporda said.

However the official refused to disclose details about the plan but said it will be available "in the next few days."

"Basta in the next few days."

In an Instagram post, Siargao local and surfer Rafael Nogalo shed light on the island's waste management problem, blaming it on the booming tourism and businesses.

"While tourists sip cocktails on Siargao’s picture perfect beaches, mountains of rubbish are piled in our back roads - poisoning the ground water and creating irreversible damage to our beloved island home. The real beauty behind Siargao island... More tourist, more business, more trash," Nolago said in an Instagram post that has since been taken down.

The photo showed an unknown location in Siargao which allegedly serves as an open dumpsite.

Earlier Wednesday, Tourism Secretary Bernadette Romulo-Puyat assured that the Department of Tourism (DOT) will assist DENR in resolving the island's waste management predicament, just like how they did in Boracay.

"The DENR is aware of this already and they will go to Siargao this week to investigate the area and carry out the appropriate actions... The DOT will provide the necessary assistance to DENR to expedite the resolution of this matter," Puyat told ABS-CBN News.

Actress Andi Eigenmann last week also called attention to this "other side" of Siargao, sharing Nolago's photo to her Instagram followers.

• Andi Eigenmann calls attention to the side of Siargao most people don’t see

In March 2018, DENR issued notices of violations to 90 establishments in Siargao, Surigao del Norte after its crackdown on erring Boracay businesses.

• DENR issues notices of violation to 90 Siargao firms

The landscape and seascape of Siargao had been classified by DENR as a protected area. In recent years, however, Siargao has become a favorite destination of international surfers, and mass tourism had boomed in the entire island.