The death toll from the landfill collapse in Barangay Binaliw, Cebu City, has climbed to 13, authorities said, as search and retrieval operations continued for dozens still missing.
Based on the latest report as of Tuesday, Jan. 13, rescue teams were still working to locate 23 individuals believed to be trapped under debris following the landfill slide that occurred on Jan. 8. Operations remained ongoing despite the scale of damage at the site.
Photos taken near the incident area showed 65-year-old Agustino Cabag waiting for updates as recovery efforts continued. Two members of his family were among those buried when the landfill collapsed. Cabag was seen using a small telescope or binoculars to monitor the rescue operations, holding on to hope that his loved ones would be found.
Another relative of a missing victim, Obentino Odiong from the town of Dalaguete, was also waiting near the site. Odiong said he was hoping rescuers would locate his 23-year-old son, who remains among those unaccounted for.
Authorities said the continuing operation involves search teams carefully combing through the collapsed landfill, with efforts focused on locating survivors and retrieving remains. No timeline has been given for the conclusion of the operation.
Due to the extent of the damage and the growing number of casualties, Cebu City has been placed under a state of calamity. Officials said the declaration is intended to speed up the release of emergency funds, ensure adequate assistance, and provide other necessary aid to affected families.
The state of calamity will allow local authorities to mobilize resources more quickly as rescue and relief operations continue. Officials said support services for displaced and affected families are being prioritized while search efforts remain ongoing.
