Barangay Binaliw Residents Demand Immediate Halt to Nighttime Quarrying Amid Landslide Fears
Residents in Barangay Binaliw are raising urgent safety concerns over nighttime quarrying and hauling operations in areas prone to landslides. Despite previous warnings, heavy machinery continues to operate on critical slopes, sparking fears of a potential disaster that could endanger the community.
Legal Intervention to Protect the Community
Atty. Dante O. Jadman, representing the Villa del Rio Homeowners Association, has officially stepped in to address the escalating crisis. In a letter sent to Barangay Captain Viviane O. Ruste on January 19, 2026, Jadman urged the barangay official to suspend all quarrying and the transport of materials immediately.
The lawyer warned of the high risk of "fatal slope failure" and emphasized that the ongoing work demonstrates long-standing threats to public safety that have not yet been adequately addressed.
Evidence of Nighttime Operations
The demand for a shutdown comes after residents provided compelling video evidence of dump trucks hauling materials late at night. Local reports suggest these materials are allegedly being sent to reclamation projects in the nearby town of Consolacion, raising further environmental and regulatory questions.
Cebu City Councilor Joel Garganera, who leads the committee on environment, confirmed his awareness of the situation. "Yes, I’ve heard, I relayed that already to the CCenro (Cebu City Environment and Natural Resources Office) with videos," Garganera stated, highlighting the gravity of the issue.
Call for Comprehensive Inspection and Action
Jadman’s letter highlighted that there are "credible indications" of other high-risk sites within the barangay. To prevent a potential tragedy, he is calling for a series of urgent measures:
- An immediate stop to all work until an independent technical team can conduct a thorough assessment of the land.
- The barangay to meticulously record all truck movements, including plate numbers and the names of the operators, to ensure accountability.
- Urgent coordination between local officials, the Cebu City Government, and the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) for a comprehensive site inspection.
Historical Context and Ongoing Concerns
The safety of the hills in Binaliw has been a major concern since Typhoon Tino, when it was discovered that massive amounts of silt from quarry sites contributed to severe flooding in Villa del Rio, a neighboring area in Talamban. This historical precedent underscores the critical need for immediate action to avoid another environmental disaster.
As of the time of publication, Barangay Captain Viviane O. Ruste has not been reached for comment. For the people living in the shadow of these slopes, the wait for a decisive response continues, with hopes pinned on preventing further risk to their homes and environment.
