Cebu Councilor Demands Deeper Investigation into Fatal Landfill Collapse
In the aftermath of a devastating landslide at the Prime Waste Solutions landfill in Binaliw, Cebu City, a local councilor is calling for a thorough investigation into the incident that claimed dozens of lives earlier this month. The tragedy, which occurred on January 8, 2026, resulted in 36 fatalities and left 14 others injured when a massive pile of waste collapsed onto the facility's operational areas.
Search and Rescue Operations Continue at Ground Zero
Rescue teams persist in their search, rescue, and retrieval efforts for missing individuals at the landslide site, known as ground zero. These operations have been ongoing since the disaster struck, with emergency personnel working tirelessly to locate any remaining victims amidst the debris.
Councilor Alcover Proposes Special Inquiry
Councilor Pastor Jun Alcover Jr. delivered a privilege speech on Tuesday, January 20, urging the City Council to establish a special investigating committee. Alcover argued that the tragedy was preventable and emphasized the need to identify lapses by Prime Integrated Waste Solutions Inc. (Piwsi) and relevant City offices.
Our people paid the ultimate price, Alcover stated. We must demand answers, pursue justice and stand firmly with the victims and their families. He proposed that the probe should determine whether administrative, civil, or criminal cases are warranted against those responsible.
Opposition and Compromise in the City Council
Vice Mayor Tomas Osmeña opposed the creation of a council-led fact-finding committee, citing the technical complexity of landfill systems and the City's limited expertise in reviewing safety measures. Councilor Sisinio Andales echoed this sentiment, calling the move redundant given a proposed Senate hearing by Senator Imee Marcos that would likely cover similar ground.
In response, the council compromised by scheduling an executive session for Wednesday, January 28. Representatives from Piwsi, the Environmental Management Bureau, and the Department of Public Services are expected to attend to address questions regarding safety protocols and waste volume management.
Mayor Archival Coordinates Response Efforts
Councilor Alcover recalled Mayor Nestor Archival's previous statement after the 2025 midterm elections, in which he threatened to close the Binaliw landfill if environmental violations persisted. Alcover noted that the mayor has yet to issue a public statement holding the landfill management accountable for the disaster.
Mayor Archival, however, has been coordinating with the Department of Social Welfare and Development and the Department of Labor and Employment to provide livelihood support and employment options for displaced workers. Clearing operations for debris at the site are scheduled to begin this week, as announced by the mayor last Sunday, January 18.
Additional Loss of Life and Volunteer Tragedy
The impact of the landfill collapse has extended beyond the initial incident. A 50-year-old volunteer emergency worker from Toledo City died from septic shock after assisting at the site from January 10 to January 13. The volunteer, a security guard, developed infected blisters on his foot due to prolonged boot use, which was aggravated by his pre-existing type 2 diabetes.
Councilor Dave Tumulak confirmed the details of this secondary tragedy, and the City Government has committed to providing financial assistance to the volunteer's family.
Pursuit of Compensation and Accountability
Councilor Alcover filed a separate resolution urging Mayor Archival to direct the landfill operator to expedite financial assistance for the victims. He highlighted that the facility is owned by business tycoon Enrique Razon, from whom the public reasonably expects high standards of safety.
Additionally, Alcover requested a detailed report from the operator regarding the slope stability measures implemented prior to the garbage mountain's collapse. This move underscores the ongoing efforts to determine liability and ensure that justice is served for the victims and their families in the wake of this preventable disaster.
