A tragic landfill collapse in Cebu City, Philippines, killed one person, injured seven, and left at least 27 people missing after a huge mound of garbage and debris fell at a waste segregation facility. The accident occurred in the village of Binaliw on January 9, 2026, burying workers and others at the facility.
Landfill Collapse in Cebu City: Search for Missing Intensifies
Police confirmed that eight people were rescued alive, though one of them, a female worker, later died in the hospital. The rest of the survivors are being treated for injuries. Emergency teams have continued searching for the 27 people still trapped under the debris, but their whereabouts remain unknown. Authorities have not yet clarified whether non-workers were among the victims.
Brig. Gen. Roderick Maranan, regional police director, confirmed that the rescue operation was ongoing and focused on locating the missing. Cebu City Mayor Nestor Archival reported that, as of Friday, at least 12 people had been rescued, with 38 others still missing. The discrepancy in the numbers is yet to be explained.
Search and Rescue Efforts Continue Amidst Tragedy
The city’s government and rescue teams have been working tirelessly, with dozens of responders searching through the rubble overnight. Mayor Archival assured the public that response teams are committed to ensuring safety and transparency during the ongoing operation. Authorities are also focused on offering assistance to the families affected by the disaster.
In a statement posted on Facebook, Archival emphasized the city’s dedication to transparency and compassion while conducting the recovery operations. The search has been complicated by the large amount of debris, which includes recyclable waste and other refuse.
Investigation Underway as Facility Responds to Tragedy
The landfill facility, which employs 110 people, has been the site of significant disruption. Officials are holding an emergency meeting to investigate the cause of the collapse and assess the situation moving forward. Maranan also stated that one of the low-slung buildings used for waste segregation was heavily damaged by the avalanche of garbage, though it is unclear whether nearby homes were also affected.
