Cebu councilor pushes probe into deadly Binaliw collapse

A Cebu City councilor has called for a deeper probe into the collapse of the Binaliw landfill that killed dozens of workers earlier this month, saying the tragedy could have been prevented and accountability must be established.

The landfill collapse occurred on January 8, 2026, when a massive pile of waste gave way and fell onto facilities operated by Prime Integrated Waste Solutions Inc. (Piwsi). The incident left 36 people dead and 14 others injured.

Councilor Pastor “Jun” Alcover Jr. raised the issue during a privilege speech on Tuesday, January 20, urging the City Council to form a special investigating committee to examine possible lapses by both the landfill operator and concerned city offices.

“Our people paid the ultimate price,” Alcover said. “We must demand answers, pursue justice and stand firmly with the victims and their families.”

Alcover said the proposed inquiry should determine whether administrative, civil, or criminal liabilities may be filed against those responsible.

He argued that a thorough investigation was necessary to ensure accountability and prevent similar incidents in the future.

However, Vice Mayor Tomas Osmeña opposed the creation of a council-led fact-finding body, citing the technical nature of landfill operations and the City Council’s limited expertise in assessing engineering and safety standards.

Councilor Sisinio Andales also expressed reservations, saying the move could be redundant since a Senate inquiry proposed by Senator Imee Marcos is expected to tackle the same issues.

As a compromise, the City Council agreed to hold an executive session on Wednesday, January 28.

Representatives from Piwsi, the Environmental Management Bureau, and the Department of Public Services are expected to attend and respond to questions on safety protocols, waste volume management, and compliance with environmental regulations.

Alcover recalled that Mayor Nestor Archival had previously warned that the Binaliw landfill would be closed if environmental violations persisted. He noted that the mayor has yet to issue a public statement directly holding the landfill operator accountable for the collapse.

For his part, Archival said the city government is coordinating with the Department of Social Welfare and Development and the Department of Labor and Employment to provide assistance, including livelihood support and employment opportunities, to workers displaced by the disaster.

He also said clearing operations at the landfill site are expected to begin this week, following safety assessments.

The death toll related to the incident has since risen. A 50-year-old volunteer emergency worker from Toledo City died after developing septic shock following his deployment at the landfill site from January 10 to January 13.

The volunteer, who worked as a security guard, reportedly suffered infected blisters caused by prolonged boot use during rescue operations.

Councilor Dave Tumulak said the infection was worsened by the victim’s pre-existing type 2 diabetes. He added that the Cebu City Government has committed to extending financial assistance to the volunteer’s family.

Alcover has also filed a separate resolution urging Mayor Archival to direct the landfill operator to immediately provide financial assistance to the families of those who died or were injured in the collapse.

He said the facility is owned by business tycoon Enrique Razon, from whom the public “reasonably expects” strict adherence to safety standards.

The councilor further requested that Piwsi submit a detailed report on the slope stability measures in place prior to the collapse, as part of efforts to determine accountability and prevent future disasters.