Philippines landfill collapse kills two, leaves 35 missing

On the evening of Thursday, Jan. 8 2026, a pile of garbage at the Prime Waste Solutions Cebu landfill in the village of Binaliw collapsed, sending an avalanche of rubbish and debris over nearby homes. The disaster left two people dead, 35 missing and 12 injured, with search teams hampered by unstable piles and toxic fumes. Cebu City authorities mobilised hundreds of rescuers, ambulances and heavy equipment. Councillor Joel Garganera warned of the danger posed by the high, soft waste, and Police Brigadier General Redrico Maranan noted the uncertain impact on surrounding houses. Mayor Nestor Archival pledged full engagement in the search and emphasized safety protocols. The incident highlights long‑standing safety concerns.