Rescue workers are actively searching for dozens of individuals trapped beneath a collapsed mountain of garbage at the Binaliw Landfill in Cebu City, Philippines. The incident occurred on Thursday, resulting in at least one confirmed death and nearly 50 people buried under the debris. While many of the victims are believed to be landfill employees, authorities are still assessing whether nearby residents were affected.
Cebu Mayor Nestor Archival provided updates during a news briefing, stating that there are signs of life among the debris. He announced that hundreds of rescuers are already on site and more than 500 additional personnel will join the efforts, which are expected to continue at least until Sunday. The search and rescue operations face challenges due to the presence of methane gas released from the landfill, which restricts the use of certain equipment that could create sparks.
As of Friday, 34 individuals remain unaccounted for, a revision from an earlier estimate of 38. Rescuers have successfully pulled at least 12 workers from the rubble alive, who have since been hospitalized for treatment. According to Jason Morata, a city assistant public information officer, the garbage pile is approximately four stories high. Aerial images released by police revealed multiple structures, including offices for staff, crushed under the weight of the refuse.
Morata emphasized that various factors may have contributed to the collapse, referencing the impact of two typhoons and an earthquake that struck Cebu in late 2025. He noted that communication from the site is limited, as there is “no signal” in the area, complicating the flow of information.
The Binaliw Landfill is operated by Prime Integrated Waste Solutions, processing around 1,000 tons of municipal solid waste daily. The facility employs approximately 110 workers. Efforts to contact the company for comment have so far gone unanswered.
Marge Parcotello, a civilian staff member of the police department in Consolacion, a town bordering the landfill, expressed concern over the lack of rainfall, stating, “We don’t know what caused the collapse.” She remarked that many of the victims are from Consolacion, highlighting the human impact of this disaster.
The Philippines has a troubled history with landfill safety, particularly those located near impoverished communities where residents often scavenge for discarded items and food. In a tragic incident in July 2000, more than 200 people lost their lives when a garbage avalanche engulfed a shanty town in Manila. This catastrophic event led to widespread public outrage and prompted the government to enact legislation aimed at improving waste management regulations.
As rescue efforts continue, the focus remains on locating the missing individuals and providing assistance to those who have been impacted by this tragic event.
