Marcos ensures safety, accountability after deadly Cebu landfill collapse
President Ferdinand 'Bongbong' Marcos Jr. leads a moment of silence for the victims of the Jan. 8 landfill incident in Barangay Binaliw, Cebu City, on Jan. 15, 2026. (RTVM/Mayor Nestor Archival)
President Marcos assured the public that the government is taking all necessary measures to ensure safety, transparency, and accountability following the deadly collapse of a landfill that killed 19 people in Barangay Binaliw, Cebu City.
In his speech during a naming and delivery ceremony in Cebu on Thursday, Jan. 15, the President called for national solidarity as search and rescue operations continue and support is extended to victims’ families.
“We offer our prayers for the souls of the departed and strength to their grieving families,” he said, leading a moment of silence for those lost in the tragedy.
Marcos said the government is directing burial support and other forms of aid to those affected by the collapse.
“Please be assured that the government is taking all necessary measures to ensure safety, transparency, accountability, and compassionate assistance,” he said.
“Let us stand in solidarity with our fellow Filipinos during this difficult time,” he added.
The landfill collapse on Jan. 8 has killed at least 19 people, while 17 others remain missing as rescuers sift through debris nearly a week after the disaster.
Authorities said injured individuals from the collapse are receiving treatment in hospitals, and efforts to recover bodies and account for the missing continue.
Cebu City has declared a state of calamity to free up funds for emergency response and recovery operations, and a day of mourning has been set to honor the victims.
Local officials have reported that search teams, including rescue workers and specialized equipment, are continuing operations under difficult conditions.
The Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) has issued a cease-and-desist order against the landfill’s operator amid an impartial investigation into the causes and responsibilities surrounding the collapse.