Cebu gov't must hold independent probe on Binaliw tragedy, says Akbayan solon
At A Glance
- Akbayan Party-list Rep. Dadah Kiram Ismula highlighted on Wednesday, Jan. 14 the need to exact accountability over the deadly Binaliw landfill collapse in Cebu City.
Akbayan Party-list Rep. Dadah Kiram Ismula (Facebook)
Akbayan Party-list Rep. Dadah Kiram Ismula highlighted on Wednesday, Jan. 14 the need to exact accountability over the deadly Binaliw landfill collapse in Cebu City.
Ismula, in a statement, said the Cebu City government should conduct an immediate, independent investigation into Prime Integrated Waste Solutions Inc. (PIWSI) following the Binaliw landslide that claimed at least 18 lives.
She stressed that the city must hold the private corporation legally accountable for the disaster.
"This was a preventable tragedy. Hindi ito aksidente. Ito ay kapabayaan," Ismula said.
The Commission on Audit (COA) had previously flagged the private facility for critical safety risks including leaks and overflow of waste exceeding the site’s capacity.
"The residents have been complaining to previous city administrations and the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) but their concerns were shunned throughout the years.
"Sa Binaliw, umaalingasaw na ang kapabayaan at 18 na mga kababayan natin ang namatay (Binaliw reeks of negligence, and it has cost the lives of 18 of our countrymen),” reckoned the rookie congresswoman.
The Akbayan solon is batting for immediate financial support and just compensation from the private company, and the local and national governments for the families of the dead and those still missing.
She emphasized that beyond burial assistance, the private contractor, the local and national government must provide long-term livelihood support and immediate relocation for survivors living in the danger zone.
"Kailangan ng mabilis na aksyon para sa mga pamilya (Immediate action is needed for the sake of the families). More than just prayers and fingerpointing, they need justice and guaranteed compensation from the company responsible," Ismula said.