Search, rescue, and retrieval operations are ongoing at the site of a deadly landslide at the Prime Waste Solutions (PWS) landfill in Binaliw, Cebu. The incident, which occurred on January 8, 2026, has left several individuals missing, with responders working tirelessly at ground zero as of January 14, 2026.
Company Statement Points to Natural Causes
In an official statement released on January 14, 2026, PWS Cebu extended its sympathy to the affected families. The company presented preliminary assessments suggesting the collapse may have been triggered by a combination of natural events.
The factors cited include the magnitude 6.9 earthquake from September 30, 2025, its subsequent aftershocks, and the extreme rainfall delivered by Typhoon Tino in early November. The company emphasized that prior to the incident, regular inspections of the affected landfill cell showed no visible signs of instability, such as surface cracks or abnormal leachate discharge.
Coordinated Response and Safety Measures
PWS Cebu confirmed it immediately activated its Emergency Response Team following the collapse. The team is working in close coordination with the Cebu City Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office (CCDRRMO), the Bureau of Fire Protection (BFP), other national units, and private partners.
Responder safety is declared a top priority during the intensive retrieval efforts. The company stated the landfill's operations are suspended and the incident is fully contained within the facility's footprint, with no impact on surrounding communities.
PWS Cebu is fully complying with a cease-and-desist order issued by the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR). Critical site stabilization measures are being implemented, including clearing the materials recovery facility for safe debris removal and rehabilitating the affected cell.
Support for Victims and Future Commitment
The company has initiated support for those impacted, providing financial assistance and psychosocial services to families of affected employees. It has also covered medical expenses for injured workers and shouldered funeral costs for the deceased.
PWS Cebu acquired the Binaliw facility in 2023 and had begun efforts to upgrade it into a more advanced operation with improved waste sorting, recycling, and leachate management systems. The company asserts that its health and safety protocols meet or exceed local industry standards.
Despite the tragedy, PWS Cebu says it remains committed to addressing waste management demands through resource recovery and improved practices. "The unfortunate incident on January 8 does not diminish this commitment," the company stated, noting its current focus is on recovery operations and supporting the community.
