CEBU. In a recent development, heavy trucks continue to move earth and materials through a disaster zone where 36 people tragically lost their lives in a landfill trash slide. Local residents and officials are now urgently demanding an immediate halt to these operations, fearing that continued activity could trigger another devastating tragedy.
Private Citizens Call for Action
On January 9, 2026, lawyer Dario Jadman sent a formal letter to Barangay Captain Viviane Ruste regarding ongoing activities in Barangay Binaliw. This letter came just one day after a massive landslide at the Prime Waste Solutions landfill on January 8 killed 36 people and caused a severe garbage crisis across Cebu City.
Jadman reported that heavy trucks were still hauling materials through the area, reportedly for reclamation projects in Consolacion. He described the situation as a "present danger" because the ground in the area has already proven to be unstable and prone to movement.
The letter demanded that all quarrying and hauling operations stop immediately until experts can complete a thorough technical safety assessment. Jadman also asked the barangay to list the plate numbers and operators of every truck to ensure accountability and that someone is held responsible for any future incidents.
A History of Broken Rules
This is not the first time the area has faced significant safety concerns. On December 2, 2024, the Cebu City Council suspended hauling on Binaliw Road after neighbors complained about damaged roads and environmental risks.
Investigations later uncovered that several projects were breaking the law:
- Three residential projects were hauling materials without any valid quarry permits.
- Two other operations were using expired special hauling permits, which directly violates City Ordinance 2115.
While city environment officials previously suggested safety measures like wheel-washing stations, the recent landslide has shown that these steps may not have been sufficient to prevent such a catastrophic disaster.
City Council Demands a Crackdown
The reports of continued work after the January 8 tragedy have pushed the City Council to take a harder and more decisive stand. On January 26, Councilor Joel Garganera passed a resolution to tighten control over mining and hauling activities, especially in vulnerable mountain areas.
The council argues that unregulated quarrying weakens the land and makes it more likely to slide, posing severe risks to communities. To address this, the Cebu City Mining Regulatory Board (CCMRB) has been ordered to list and review every single quarrying and hauling permit in the city comprehensively.
What Happens Next
The CCMRB has only seven days to submit a full report on these permits. This urgent review will focus on "geohazards" — places where the earth is at high risk of moving — and assess how close these operations are to people's homes and populated areas.
Local leaders are also under mounting pressure to act swiftly. Jadman warned that if the barangay does not stop the trucks, residents may escalate their complaints to the Office of the Ombudsman. As of now, Barangay Captain Ruste has not officially responded to these pressing concerns, leaving the community in a state of uncertainty and anxiety.
