Metro Manila, Philippines – The death toll in the landfill landslide in Cebu City rose to 36 after the last missing person was found early Sunday morning, Jan. 18.
The Bureau of Fire Protection (BFP) in Cebu City said all missing individuals buried in the mound of garbage and debris have been accounted for, ending the search, rescue, and retrieval operations after 10 days.
“Coordination among ground units and partner agencies remains in effect as post-operation assessments and site monitoring continue,” the BFP Cebu City said.
There were 18 injured people after a large section of the Binaliw landfill collapsed on Jan. 8. Four remained in hospital.
The Department of Environment and Natural Resources issued a cease and desist order against the landfill operator, Prime Integrated Waste Solutions, Inc., following the tragedy.
The Cebu City government declared a state of calamity and approved the release of P30 million for waste disposal services to address the disruption.
President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. assured that the government is taking “all necessary measures to ensure safety, transparency, accountability, and compassionate assistance.”
