RESCUERS carry the body of one of the victims in the trash slide in Barangay Binaliw, Cebu City. (CCDRRMO)
CEBU CITY – The number of people who perished in the trash slide in a dumpsite in Barangay Binaliw here rose to 25 with the recovery of seven more fatalities on Thursday, Jan. 15.
SFO3 Wendell Villanueva, information officer of the Cebu City Fire Department, said only 11 persons remained missing after the tragedy that injured 18 struck on Thursday, Jan. 8.
As the search and rescue operation continued, Cebu Archbishop Alberto Uy visited the area and condoled with the families of the victims. Uy presided over a Mass and talked to some of the victims.
Uy asked the faithful to offer prayers for the victims’ family especially those whose loved ones have yet to be found. “I came here today because I want to share your grief. Not because I can remove your pain—only God can do that—but because I hope that my presence, even in a small way, can lessen the weight you are carrying in your hearts,” Uy said.
“If standing beside you today can lighten even a single ounce of your sorrow…if it can give you strength even for one hour…if it can remind you that you are not alone…then I am grateful to be here,” the prelate added.
Uy said he is hoping an ongoing investigation will uncover what really caused the tragedy.
The prelate said that if there were lapses, they must be welcomed for them to be corrected. “The incident should also serve as a wake-up call for the Cebuano that garbage must be managed properly.”