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The Philippine Star
January 19, 2026 | 12:00am
Aerial view of the Binaliw landfill in Cebu City, which collapsed and caused a landslide yesterday afternoon, January 8. Rescue operations are still ongoing to locate the remaining missing persons.
The Freeman / Joy Torrejos
MANILA, Philippines — The last missing victim in the collapse of a mountain of garbage at a private landfill facility in Barangay Binaliw, Cebu City has been recovered, according to local disaster officials.
David Tumulak, chairman of the Cebu City disaster risk reduction and management council, said the remains of the 36th victim was found at around 5:41 a.m. yesterday, at the facility’s Quadrant A.
Tumulak said that authorities have yet to identify the body. He said the Management of the Dead and Missing as well as the landfill operator, Prime Integrated Waste Solutions Inc., would consolidate the names of workers who were buried alive under piles of garbage, twisted tin roofs and iron bars on Jan. 8.
On Saturday, the search and rescue team found two bodies at 2:53 p.m. also at Quadrant A, leaving only one more person missing.
Of the 18 injured people, 14 have been discharged from the hospital, while four remain confined.
Earlier, Cebu City Mayor Nestor Archival said the search and rescue operation would continue until the last missing victim is found.
The incident was expected to create a garbage crisis in the city and nearby areas as the Department of Environment and Natural Resources shut down all operations at the Binaliw landfill except for rescue, retrieval and cleanup activities.
City officials averted the crisis by identifying alternative dumpsites for household and industrial wastes.
The landfill operator said it immediately provided assistance to the victims’ families, and would cooperate in the investigation that will be conducted by authorities into the incident.
President Marcos has vowed to ensure accountability and transparency in the probe.
On Jan. 16, the city observed a day of mourning for the fatalities, with flags in all local government offices flown at half-mast.
Cebu Archbishop Alberto Uy offered prayers for the repose of the souls of the victims ahead of the observance of the day of mourning. – The Freeman
