The Cebu City Council has taken decisive action in the wake of a catastrophic landfill collapse, declaring Friday, January 16, 2026, a citywide day of mourning. The council also moved to place the entire city under a state of calamity following the tragic incident at the Binaliw landfill, which has claimed at least 13 lives and severely disrupted public services.
A Tragedy Unfolds in Barangay Binaliw
The disaster struck on Thursday, January 8, 2026, when a massive trash slide occurred at the Binaliw landfill operated by Prime Integrated Waste Solutions Inc. As of Tuesday, January 13, the grim toll stood at 13 confirmed fatalities, 24 individuals still missing, and 18 others injured and hospitalized. The day of mourning was approved through a corollary motion to a resolution sponsored by Councilor Pastor "Jun" Alcover Jr., with the council extending its deepest condolences to the grieving families and expressing solidarity with the residents of Barangay Binaliw and other affected communities.
As part of the observance, the council has requested the Office of the Mayor to hold a mass on Friday at the Binaliw gymnasium. This service is intended as a collective prayer and a moment of remembrance, offering solace especially to families who are still awaiting news about their missing loved ones.
Perilous Conditions Hamper Rescue and Recovery
Search, rescue, and retrieval operations at the collapse site are ongoing but face severe and dangerous challenges. Responders are battling unstable garbage piles, foul odors, standing water, and hazardous materials, which have significantly slowed progress as teams prioritize their own safety against the risk of further collapses.
Councilor Dave Tumulak detailed the difficulties, stating in Cebuano that the conditions include the overwhelming smell, the garbage itself, human remains within the site, and water that exacerbates the danger. Rescue teams are also on high alert for the potential presence of methane gas and sharp metal debris from collapsed structures. Despite more than 90 hours having passed since the incident, authorities have maintained rescue-mode operations after specialized equipment from a private mining group reportedly detected possible signs of life.
City Grapples with Waste Disposal Crisis
The collapse has triggered a major crisis for Cebu City's waste management system. Operations at the Binaliw landfill were suspended following a cease and desist order from the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) 7. With the city's primary dumping site shut down, garbage collection has been severely affected, forcing officials to urgently seek alternative disposal options.
In response, the council moved to declare a state of calamity, citing the landfill collapse, the ongoing rescue efforts, the critical disruption of garbage disposal, and heightened public health risks. This declaration will allow the city to access disaster funds, fast-track emergency procurement, and implement urgent measures. The council also approved a resolution authorizing the use of quick response funds for emergency waste disposal and humanitarian assistance, while directing concerned offices to immediately identify and secure alternative dumping sites to prevent a secondary public health emergency.
As a temporary solution, garbage from facilities owned by the Cebu Provincial Government, including the Capitol and Larsian, will be disposed of at the Aloguinsan San Raphael Landfill Corp. This arrangement was reached in a meeting on Monday, January 12, with Aloguinsan Mayor Cesare Ignatius Moreno, DENR representatives, and officials from San Raphael Landfill Corp., as confirmed by Provincial Administrator Ace Durano.
As Cebu City prepares to observe the day of mourning, officials are urging residents to remain patient and cooperative amid the service disruptions. They have assured the victims' families that rescue and recovery efforts will continue for as long as conditions allow.
