Cebu Taxpayer Files Ombudsman Complaint Over Deadly Binaliw Landfill Landslide
A Cebuano taxpayer has escalated legal action by filing a supplemental and amended complaint with the Office of the Ombudsman–Visayas, demanding a thorough investigation into the catastrophic garbage landslide at the Binaliw landfill in Cebu City on January 8, 2026, which resulted in 36 fatalities.
Allegations of Gross Negligence and Collusion
In a formal letter dated March 16 addressed to Deputy Ombudsman Dante Vargas, complainant Crisologo Saavedra Jr. has reiterated serious allegations against officials from the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) and its Environmental Management Bureau (EMB) 7, as well as landfill operator Arnold Espinoza.
This complaint supplements an initial case filed on March 6 and a separate request for a parallel investigation submitted to the National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) 7 on March 9.
Saavedra asserts that DENR-EMB 7 officials and the landfill operator face liability for violations of Republic Act 3019, known as the Anti-Graft and Corrupt Practices Act, and Presidential Decree 1586, which established the Philippine Environmental Impact System. This system mandates that projects with potential for significant environmental damage must secure an Environmental Compliance Certificate (ECC).
Operational Failures and Environmental Hazards
The complaint centers on the operation of the landfill in Barangay Binaliw. Saavedra claims the facility operated as an open pit dumpsite for eight years, despite holding an ECC designated for a sanitary landfill.
The ECC, identified as ECC-R07-0010 and issued on November 8, 2017, covered the ARN Central materials recovery facility and Sanitary Landfill Project. However, Saavedra alleges the facility accumulated millions of tons of untreated garbage in a confined area without adhering to sanitary landfill standards.
Key deficiencies cited include:
- Lack of leachate collection systems
- Absence of proper drainage systems
- Inadequate gas control mechanisms
- Missing protective liners
These conditions directly contributed to the garbage landslide on January 8, which occurred in Sitio Kainsikan, burying houses and residents. Authorities have confirmed 36 deaths and numerous injuries.
Named Respondents and Public Health Risks
Saavedra emphasizes the incident was preventable, attributing it to overcapacity and unsafe conditions rather than natural events. Named respondents include former EMB 7 director Ma. Victoria Abrera, EMB officials Ranzel Dioko and John Kiamko, and personnel from the Cebu City Office of the Building Official.
Arnold Espinoza is identified as the owner of the landfill project, having managed it for five years, while Prime Integrated Waste Solutions Inc. handled operations for three years prior to the landslide. Saavedra notes the ECC remained under Espinoza’s name due to existing violations preventing a transfer.
The complaint also highlights severe public health risks. Toxic leachate from untreated garbage has contaminated rivers and water sources connected to the Lusaran water system, affecting consumers in Cebu City, Mandaue, Talisay, Consolacion, and Lapu-Lapu. Additionally, risks from methane gas generated by decomposing waste are cited.
Calls for Accountability and Rehabilitation
Saavedra urges authorities to hold those responsible accountable for the deaths and calls for immediate treatment of leachate and environmental rehabilitation. Copies of the complaint have been furnished to President Ferdinand Marcos Jr., Executive Secretary Ralph Recto, and NBI 7 Director Jose Ermie Monsanto.
