The collapse of the Binaliw landfill in Cebu has left four people dead and dozens still unaccounted for after the site gave way while about 110 workers were present. Twelve people have been hospitalized, and a Friday tally listed 36 missing. Officials reported signs of life in some areas, prompting careful excavation and deployment of a 50-ton crane. Families remain hopeful as rescuers continue operations under challenging conditions.
Four Dead After Cebu Landfill Collapse; Dozens Still Missing as Rescuers Search
Workers conduct a rescue operation at the collapsed landfill in Binaliw, Cebu, Philippines, January 10, 2026. REUTERS/Lisa Marie David
CEBU CITY, Philippines — The confirmed death toll from a collapse at the Binaliw landfill in Cebu has risen to four, officials said Saturday, as rescue teams continued searching for dozens still unaccounted for.
The landfill gave way on Thursday while about 110 workers were on site. Several structures and facilities inside the landfill were damaged in the collapse, complicating rescue operations.
Workers conduct a rescue operation at the collapsed landfill in Binaliw, Cebu, Philippines, January 10, 2026. REUTERS/Lisa Marie David
Cebu City Mayor Nestor Archival said in a Facebook post that 12 people had been transported to hospitals and that authorities detected signs of life in specific areas. Those indications have prompted careful, methodical excavation and the deployment of a more powerful 50-ton crane to assist rescuers.
"Authorities have confirmed they detected signs of life in specific areas, necessitating continued careful excavation and the deployment of a more advanced 50-ton crane," Archival said.
A tally released on Friday listed 36 people as missing; officials did not immediately provide an updated count on Saturday. Families of the missing continued to wait at the site, holding out hope for survivors.
Workers conduct a rescue operation at the collapsed landfill in Binaliw, Cebu, Philippines, January 10, 2026. REUTERS/Lisa Marie David
Jerahmey Espinoza, whose husband is among the missing, said she had come to the landfill in search of him. "They haven't seen or located him since the disaster happened. We're still hopeful that he's alive," Espinoza said.
Rescue teams worked under difficult conditions, balancing speed with caution to avoid further collapses. Authorities have called for patience as specialized equipment and personnel are brought in to help with the recovery effort.
Reporting by Jay Ereno and Lisa Marie David in Cebu City; additional reporting by Mikhail Flores in Manila. Editing by Tom Hogue.
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