Cebu City Council Initiates Comprehensive Review of Quarry Permits Following Binaliw Landfill Tragedy
A private individual has formally alerted officials in Barangay Binaliw regarding alleged ongoing quarrying and hauling activities in the area, despite a recent tragic landslide at the Binaliw landfill that resulted in the deaths of 36 workers on January 8. This urgent complaint has spurred the Cebu City Council to take decisive action by initiating a thorough review of all quarry permits across the entire city.
Legal Complaint Highlights Public Safety Concerns
In a letter dated January 9, 2026, addressed to Barangay Binaliw Captain Viviane Ruste, lawyer Dario Jadman, identifying himself as a concerned citizen, expressed deep apprehension about the significant public safety risks posed by the continued hauling operations in the barangay. Jadman asserted that large trucks persist in traveling through the barangay, reportedly transporting materials intended for a reclamation project in Consolacion, even in the face of prior warnings issued to local authorities.
He cited the devastating landslide and the resulting fatalities as compelling evidence that the area has now exceeded its safe carrying capacity. "The landslide and loss of lives confirm that the area has exceeded safe carrying capacity," Jadman stated in his letter, accompanied by a stern warning that the ongoing operations could place residents in even greater peril.
Call for Immediate Halt and Independent Assessment
Jadman strongly urged the barangay to immediately suspend all quarrying, hauling, and material transport activities while awaiting an independent technical assessment. He also called for the meticulous documentation of truck movements, including:
- License plates
- Routes taken
- Operators involved
- Beneficiaries of the operations
The barangay was requested to confirm what actions would be taken within a five-day period. The letter further cautioned that if no action is taken, residents may be compelled to escalate the issue to oversight bodies, including the Office of the Ombudsman.
City Council Responds with Resolution for Stricter Management
The concerns raised at the barangay level resonated strongly within the Cebu City Council, where Councilor Joel Garganera successfully passed a resolution aimed at enforcing stricter management of quarry and hauling operations throughout Cebu City, particularly in mountainous regions and areas susceptible to ground movement.
The resolution mandates the Cebu City Mining Regulatory Board (CCMRB) to submit, within seven days of approval, a complete and updated list of all quarry and hauling permits. This list must include:
- Active permits
- Pending approvals
- Permits up for renewal
Under this directive, the CCMRB is also instructed to identify permits located in upland barangays and provide detailed information on their status, scope, duration, approved sites, and the operators for each operation.
Prioritizing Safety and Environmental Compliance
The resolution orders a comprehensive review of all existing permits, with a strong emphasis on prioritizing:
- Geohazard risks
- Compliance with environmental regulations
- Implementation of safety measures
- Proximity to residential areas
This review is directly motivated by the recent tragedy in Binaliw, underscoring the council's commitment to preventing similar incidents in the future and ensuring the safety and well-being of all residents.
