35 missing as Cebu landfill collapses

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January 10, 2026 | 12:00am

MANILA, Philippines — Thirty-five people were reported missing while three others were confirmed to have died when a mountain of garbage collapsed at a landfill facility in Barangay Binaliw, Cebu City on Thursday afternoon.

The first fatality was a 22-year-old female worker whose body was retrieved a few hours after the incident, which occurred at past 4 p.m.

The second fatality was a 25-year-old engineer, whose body was retrieved at around  4:35  p.m. yesterday.

The third fatality was a 30-year old woman, whose body was retrieved at around 6:30 p.m., according to Cebu City Mayor Nestor Archival.

Twelve others are being treated for injuries at the Visayas Community Medical Center and the North General Hospital.

Reports said that of the 12 injured workers, three were in critical condition.

The landslide toppled the building of the landfill’s materials recovery facility and a staff house.

Initial information showed that more than 20 people were believed trapped under the collapsed structures and garbage.

The collapse was blamed on heavy rainfall brought by Typhoon Tino and an eartquake last year, which made the ground unstable.

Councilor David Tumulak, chief of the Cebu City disaster risk reduction and management council, said that a certain Philip Fernandez informed disaster officials by phone  about the incident.

Tumulak earlier said disaster officials could not yet determine the number of workers trapped under the rubble as authorities have yet to locate the manager of the facility for a headcount.

Archival, who visited the site yesterday,  said the search and rescue operation would continue through the night.

He urged the public not to go to the area so as not to hamper the movement of the rescue team.

Heavy equipment have been deployed in the area to speed up the clearing operation and recovery of the victims.

As the search and rescue continued, garbage collection across the city and nearby areas has been suspended.

City officials said operations at the facility have been stopped and the public has been told to refrain from dumping waste in the area.

Operators of the facility gave assurance that they are working with concerned government agencies and local officials, and the company would provide assistance to the victims and their families.

John Paul Gelasque, chief of Cebu City’s department of public service, said barangay officials have been advised about the suspension of the garbage collection while officials study other alternatives for waste dumping.

Residents were told not to bring out their garbage  while the collection is suspended.

Meanwhile, the Philippine National Police (PNP) has mobilized a search and rescue operation for victims trapped in the Cebu landslide.

Acting PNP chief Lt. Gen. Jose Melencio Nartatez ordered police units in Cebu to prioritize the search and provide manpower, security and logistical support.

“We ordered the establishment of police assistance desks and perimeter control to support other agencies on the ground,” Nartatez said. — Emmanuel Tupas, Preciosa Bacalso / The Freeman