THE dumpsite that collapsed and killed more than 30 people in Barangay Binaliw, Cebu City. (Photo from Mayor Nestor Archival)
CEBU CITY – All is set for the Sinulog Grand Parade on Sunday, Jan. 18, but some are questioning if pushing through with the grand celebration is appropriate when some families are grieving following the deadly trash slide in a mountain barangay here.
Reacting to some comments on social media, Mayor Nestor Archival said there is nothing wrong with the decision to push with the Sinulog festivities while the city is still reeling from the Binaliw dumpsite tragedy that has claimed more than 30 lives.
Archival emphasized that in times of celebration and sadness, it is important for Cebuanos to show unity.
“Sinulog is happening which is a celebration and a time to pray for Senor Santo Nino. Then there was tragedy in Binaliw which is sadness. On my part, I will try and do my best that the city will unite,” said Archival.
In celebration of Fiesta Senor, Archival said the city must unite in prayers for more blessings and courage for those affected by the Binaliw tragedy to soldier on.
Archival’s defense of the Sinulog revelry came as efforts to find missing victims at the collapsed dumpsite continued.
More bodies were recovered on Saturday, Jan. 17, raising the number of fatalities to 35. Only one victim remained missing. The trash slide also injured 18 individuals.
The dumpsite collapsed on Jan. 8. An avalanche of garbage buried a structure where offices of the landfill operator, Prime Waste Integrated Solutions Inc., were housed.
Workers inside the structure when a mound of garbage started rolling down.