CEBU CITY – Search and retrieval operations at the Binaliw landfill site entered a critical phase on Wednesday, January 14, 2026, one week after a devastating landslide claimed numerous lives. The official death toll has now climbed to 20, based on the latest data from Prime Waste Solutions (PWS) relayed by Cebu City Councilor Dave Tumulak.
Rising Toll and Ongoing Search Efforts
Councilor Dave Tumulak, who heads the Cebu City Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (CCDRRMC), confirmed the grim statistics. In addition to the 20 fatalities, 18 individuals were injured in the January 8 disaster. As of Wednesday, 16 people remain unaccounted for, fueling both hope and anguish among waiting families.
Tumulak stated that operations are proceeding despite the dangerous and unstable conditions at the site. He expressed cautious optimism that more victims could be recovered throughout the day, especially with the deployment of heavy equipment to carefully remove layers of collapsed waste material. The authorities remain hopeful that recoveries will continue in the coming days, contingent on site safety and weather conditions.
Families Cling to Hope for a Miracle
A full week after the horrific landslide, families of the missing continue to hold out hope for a miracle. Tumulak revealed that the emotional toll on rescue personnel is significant, as they are deeply affected by the grief and fear radiating from the families.
"We are waiting for a miracle. We are still in the search and rescue stage," Tumulak emphasized during a press conference held on Tuesday, January 13. He stressed that it would be unjust to families to prematurely declare the mission a purely retrieval operation, as many relatives and volunteers still desperately hope for news about their loved ones.
Addressing Challenges and Criticisms
The councilor also responded to criticisms regarding the perceived slow pace of the rescue mission. He outlined the monumental challenges faced by responders on the ground, which include:
- Navigating treacherous "foxhole"-like tunnels within the waste.
- Managing and avoiding exposure to hazardous materials.
- Safely operating heavy machinery in an unstable environment.
To manage risks, the rescue area has been strategically divided into four quadrants. Each quadrant is manned by a team of 20 rescuers, a structure designed to provide immediate backup if any team finds itself in danger during the operation.
Tumulak further clarified that Prime Waste Solutions (PWS) holds the primary responsibility for addressing the questions and concerns of the victims' families. He noted, however, that no official spokesperson from the company has yet come forward to communicate with the public or the affected families directly.
