The Cebu City Council has declared January 16, 2026 as Day of Mourning in memory of the victims of the landslide in Barangay Binaliw, where the death toll has risen to 19. The move is part of the city's official recognition of the terrible tragedy that has caused deep grief to the families and the entire community.
According to city officials, the latest fatality was a 40-year-old man, while 17 people remain missing. Search and rescue operations are continuing in the area with the help of the Bureau of Fire Protection, which has deployed more than 50 rescue personnel to slowly remove debris and expand the search area.
The day of mourning was approved along with the declaration of state of calamity, which will allow the release of ₱30 million from the quick response fund. The funds will be allocated for garbage disposal services and other immediate needs, while the city coordinates with neighboring towns for temporary use of alternative landfills.
Based on preliminary analysis by experts, the collapse of the garbage dump was likely triggered by the strong earthquake in September 2025, its aftershocks, and heavy rains caused by the typhoon. The landfill operator assured that the incident was contained within the facility, and that they continue to cooperate with authorities for a comprehensive investigation and immediate assistance to the affected families.
Meanwhile, officials have revived the proposed waste-to-energy (WTE) facility as a long-term solution to the city's growing garbage problem. It aims to promote safer and more sustainable waste management practices, while temporarily transporting hundreds of tons of garbage to alternative facilities outside Cebu City.
