The death toll from a rubbish landslide at a landfill in the central Philippines has climbed to 11, as rescue teams continue searching for more than 20 people still missing beneath tons of debris. Philippines Rubbish Landslide Death Toll Rises to 11. The disaster has triggered national concern over landfill safety, worker conditions, and the country’s waste management system.
The landslide occurred last week at the Binaliw landfill in Cebu City while more than 100 workers were present at the site. Authorities confirmed that at least 12 people were pulled out alive with injuries, while fears are growing for those still unaccounted for days after the collapse.
Despite the grim outlook, officials say rescue operations remain active. Cebu City Mayor Nestor Archival said signs of life were detected during searches, reinforcing the decision to continue recovery efforts. Fire officials earlier warned that survival chances were slim after several days under heavy waste.
The incident has intensified calls for accountability and reform. Environment authorities ordered the landfill operator, Prime Integrated Waste Solutions Inc., to suspend operations immediately. The company has been instructed to submit a compliance plan within 90 days as investigations into the cause of the collapse proceed.
The Department of Environment and Natural Resources confirmed it would conduct a full inquiry and hold responsible parties to account. Lawmakers have also demanded a broader review of landfill operations and the safety of waste workers nationwide.
Among those calling for action is Senator Imee Marcos, who said the tragedy should never have happened. She noted that similar disasters in the past failed to prompt lasting reforms, allowing dangerous conditions to persist.
The human toll has been devastating for families living near the landfill. One resident, whose wife worked at the site, described scenes of chaos as people fled moments after the collapse. Her body was recovered the following day, underscoring the personal loss behind the growing death toll.
Preliminary findings from the Mines and Geosciences Bureau suggest that weeks of continuous rainfall increased the weight of the rubbish, contributing to instability alongside possible engineering failures. Authorities say these factors are being closely examined as part of the investigation.
Landfills remain a common waste solution in large Philippine cities, including Cebu, a major economic and transport hub in the Visayas. The disaster has renewed pressure on the government to overhaul waste management systems, improve worker protections, and prevent similar tragedies in the future.
