The tragic landslide at the Binaliw landfill in Cebu City has now claimed 25 lives, authorities confirmed on Thursday, January 15, 2026. Search and rescue teams continue their round-the-clock efforts to locate 11 individuals still missing, even as the threat of Tropical Storm Ada looms.
Rising Toll and Ongoing Search Efforts
Councilor Dave Tumulak, who heads the Cebu City Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council, reported that three more bodies were recovered on Thursday. The total number of fatalities now stands at 25 since the catastrophic trash slide occurred on January 8. The recovered victims were taken to St. Peter Funeral Homes on Imus Road for identification.
Tumulak emphasized that search operations are ongoing 24 hours a day but may face temporary suspensions due to the approaching Tropical Storm Ada. The safety of the rescue personnel is the top priority, he stated. The rescuers themselves are under immense strain, working in hazardous conditions while separated from their own families.
Government Response and Community Grief
President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. addressed the tragedy during a public event in Balamban, offering prayers and solidarity with the grieving families. He assured the public of the National Government's commitment to transparency, accountability, and continued support, including the provision of burial assistance.
In response to the disaster, Cebu City officials have taken several solemn steps:
- Declared a state of calamity.
- Will observe a day of mourning on Friday, January 16.
- Coordinated with the Archdiocese of Cebu to hold masses for the victims.
The Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) has issued a cease-and-desist order against the operator of the Binaliw sanitary landfill. The operating company has also begun providing burial assistance to the families of the deceased.
Emotional Strain and Hopeful Resilience
The emotional toll on the victims' families is profound. Councilor Tumulak, who plans to meet with psychometricians to review interviews with families, noted that while some have expressed frustration, many remain hopeful for a miracle. Authorities express understanding for the families' anguish and the pressure on rescue teams to deliver results.
As of the latest update, 18 people remain hospitalized with injuries from the landslide. The community and the nation now wait, hoping for positive news from the search site while mourning the significant loss of life in this devastating incident.
