The search for survivors at the collapsed Binaliw landfill in Cebu City took a grim turn this Saturday, January 17, as another body was recovered. This discovery leaves only one individual still unaccounted for, pushing the confirmed death toll from the January 8 tragedy to 35.
Search and Rescue Mission Persists Despite Challenges
In a firm stance, the Cebu City Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office (CCDRRMO) continues to classify the ongoing efforts at the site as a search-and-rescue operation. This directly contradicts the characterization by Prime Waste Solutions (PWS) Cebu, which has referred to the work as a retrieval operation for the deceased.
Leading the city's disaster council, Councilor Dave Tumulak emphasized that the city has not given up hope. "We are not in a position to declare that. As long as there is doubt, this remains search and rescue," Tumulak stated. He argued that changing the terminology now would be an injustice to the families of the missing worker, who continue to hope for a miracle.
A Community Holds Hope Amidst Grief
The human cost of the disaster extends beyond the numbers. As of the latest reports, 14 victims have been discharged from the hospital, while four others remain under care for injuries sustained during the collapse on January 8.
Tumulak highlighted the deep emotional investment of the rescue teams, who view the victims as family. This powerful bond, he noted, drives them to continue the perilous work despite the dangerous conditions at the unstable landfill site.
Cause and Continued Response
In a press statement dated January 14, PWS Cebu, which operates the landfill, pointed to heavy rains and possible ground movement as the likely causes of the catastrophic collapse. The company stated that its emergency response team, alongside government agencies, has been conducting intensive retrieval efforts since the incident.
However, the CCDRRMO maintains its official position. The agency will only reclassify the mission once the exact number of affected workers is fully verified. For now, the dangerous work continues, with teams holding onto the slim chance of finding the last missing person alive.
