Metro Manila, Philippines – The Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) in Central Visayas has issued a cease and desist order against the private operator of the Binaliw landfill in Cebu City following the deadly garbage landslide that killed at least eight people.
The DENR regional office confirmed the issuance of the stoppage order against Prime Integrated Waste Solutions, Inc. (PIWSI) on Monday, Jan. 12, four days after the collapse.
Authorities are still searching for 28 bodies buried or trapped by an avalanche of garbage and debris, Cebu City Mayor Nestor Archival said. He said 18 people are in the hospital.
“The CDO directs the facility to cease all sanitary landfill operations, including the acceptance of waste, except for rescue, retrieval, and cleanup operations in coordination with concerned agencies,” the DENR said.
“PIWSI has also been called to a technical conference to establish facts and execute a compliance commitment within a period not exceeding 90 days,” it said.
The DENR said it is coordinating with concerned local government units over their solid waste management.
The Binaliw landfill services Cebu City, home to nearly one million people, as well as Mandaue and Lapu-Lapu cities.
According to PIWSI’s website, the landfill processes around 1,000 tons of municipal solid waste daily. Reportedly, the landfill site covers three hectares out of a 20-hectare property.
Sen. Imee Marcos on Monday filed a resolution to investigate the landfill collapse.
