CEBU CITY, January 8, 2026 — A portion of the Binaliw landfill in Barangay Binaliw, Cebu City collapsed late Thursday afternoon due to the sheer volume of waste piled at the site, according to city officials.

Councilor Joel Garganera, chair of the City Council’s environment committee, said the collapse occurred around 5 p.m. Structures within the landfill also gave way, worsening the situation. “Authorities are verifying reports that several individuals, especially landfill employees, had been trapped underneath the rubble,” Garganera noted.

Former councilor Dave Tumulak likewise confirmed that some residents near the landfill were affected, prompting urgent rescue operations.

Rescue Efforts and Immediate Response

The Cebu City government quickly mobilized rescue teams, ambulances, and heavy equipment to the area. Fire and police units joined the operation, while medical personnel were placed on standby to assist possible survivors. Officials said the priority is to locate and extract anyone trapped under the collapsed waste and debris.

Residents living near the landfill were advised to remain alert as authorities assess the stability of surrounding areas. The incident has raised concerns about the safety of communities adjacent to large waste facilities.

Environmental and Safety Concerns

The Binaliw landfill has long been a subject of controversy, with environmental groups warning about its capacity and structural risks. Previous inspections revealed issues with waste management and slope stability, raising fears of potential accidents.

Thursday’s collapse has reignited calls for stricter monitoring of landfill operations and better disaster preparedness in urban areas. Garganera emphasized that the city will conduct a full investigation into the incident and review landfill safety protocols.

Image from Talamban Fire Station