Government and Company Mobilize Support for Binaliw Landslide Victims in Cebu City
The Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) Region 7 has announced that workers and families impacted by the devastating landslide at the Binaliw landfill will receive immediate government assistance and benefits. This assurance came during a press conference held on Friday, January 23, 2026, where DOLE-7 Tri-City Field Office Chief Marites Mercado detailed the response efforts.
Casualty Count and Initial Assessments
According to Mercado, authorities have identified 118 workers employed by Prime Integrated Waste Solutions Inc. (PIWSI), the operator of the landfill in Barangay Binaliw, Cebu City. This figure does not include workers under subcontractors, who are still being accounted for. The tragic incident resulted in 36 fatalities, prompting DOLE to collaborate swiftly with the Social Security System (SSS) and the Employees’ Compensation Commission (ECC) to conduct inspections and meetings aimed at ensuring protection and aid for the affected laborers.
Financial Assistance and Company Commitments
Mercado revealed that PIWSI has already distributed initial cash assistance of P50,000 to the families of the deceased, with the possibility of additional support pending further assessment. The company has also pledged to cover funeral expenses, including burial, cremation, and hospital bills for all victims, regardless of whether they were direct employees or under subcontractors. Despite the temporary halt in landfill operations, management has committed to paying the full January salaries of all affected employees to prevent income loss during this difficult period.
Benefits Processing and Worker Status
All workers are covered under SSS, PhilHealth, and Pag-IBIG, with their benefits being processed as a top priority. The SSS is handling burial benefits and survivorship pensions for qualified dependents, while the ECC is managing compensation for work-related injuries and deaths. Mercado clarified that while operations are suspended, workers are on floating status, meaning they remain employees and have not been terminated. Discussions are underway to potentially relocate them to other transfer stations to allow continued employment as investigations proceed.
Ongoing Investigations and Future Actions
DOLE has engaged with Public Employment Service Offices (PESO) in Cebu City, Mandaue City, and Lapu-Lapu City to assist workers seeking temporary or alternative employment. The agency is also examining potential liabilities and fines for the company, particularly regarding compliance with safety standards. The role of subcontractors, who have yet to report to DOLE as they focus on aiding victims, is under scrutiny. The investigation will include coordination with the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR), which issued a cease-and-desist order against the operator for alleged environmental violations. DOLE stated that further results and possible penalties will be announced once all inquiries are complete.
