The Department of Environment and Natural Resources–Environmental Management Bureau (DENR-EMB) 7 has temporarily lifted the cease-and-desist order (CDO) against the operator of the Binaliw landfill, citing compliance with key environmental safeguards and the urgent need for waste disposal facilities in Cebu.
In a news release on May 1, 2026, the DENR said it allowed limited operations of Prime Integrated Waste Management (PWS) after the company fulfilled remediation commitments following the January 8 tragedy where a waste collapse killed 36 people.
EMB-7 Regional Director John Edward Ang stated that the agency balanced environmental protection with practical needs, especially as Cebu's waste problem escalates.
"Cebu has an urgent need for a functional waste disposal facility to handle the city's waste, and our decision followed a careful evaluation of the company's compliance measures," Ang said.
He clarified that the partial lifting does not mean a full reopening, and operations are limited and under strict conditions, including continued compliance with the environmental compliance certificate (ECC) and completion of rehabilitation and stabilization works.
Under the ECC amendment issued on March 31, the landfill operator is allowed to develop additional engineered components to enhance safety. These include a new disposal cell at the lower part of the landfill and a smaller interim cell for controlled operations.
The DENR said the facility is continuously monitored through regular inspections that check structural stability, waste volume, and leachate management, while site restoration continues.
"This Office remains committed to closely monitoring the facility, particularly in terms of waste inputs and outputs. We conduct regular site inspections to ensure that stabilization measures meet required standards," Ang added.
The agency also clarified the role of multi-sectoral oversight, meaning local government units and other stakeholders will continue to participate in monitoring to ensure transparency and legal compliance.
The partial lifting was also discussed in an executive session of the City Council, where some members expressed concern over the lack of detailed information shared with the legislative body regarding the landfill's status and operations.
Councilor Joel Garganera, chairman of the committee on environment, expressed frustration over the lack of communication, saying the council was not fully briefed on the developments of the partial reopening and the facility's regulatory status.
Meanwhile, PWS Manager Niño Abellana confirmed the facility's operations, stating that it is now operating under a controlled "interim cell" system approved by the DENR, and is limited to accepting waste from private commercial sources.
The DENR also clarified that the partial lifting covers only certain engineered cells and does not mean a full reopening of the landfill, which remains under rehabilitation.
Despite this, Cebu City Mayor Nestor Archival said he sees no immediate problem with the partial lifting, as long as it complies with regulatory requirements, particularly having a valid ECC and adhering to environmental standards.
Archival also revealed that he received communication from the DENR about the partial lifting, and that operations may be limited to certain landfill cells that have permits and are still in the testing phase.
For its part, the DENR stated that the partial lifting is conditional and depends on the company's continued compliance with the rehabilitation plan and mitigation measures, as well as coordination with relevant sectors.
The landfill in Barangay Binaliw was closed after the January 8 tragedy, which triggered multiple investigations and stricter scrutiny of landfill safety, environmental compliance, and regulatory oversight.
