The Cebu City Council was surprised to learn that the Binaliw sanitary landfill has quietly resumed operations, albeit with limited capacity, even as the investigation into the January 8, 2026, landslide that killed 36 people remains incomplete. The revelation came during a tense council hearing where PrimeWaste Solutions Cebu Manager Niño Abellana Jr. confirmed the facility's return to operations.
Limited Operations Without Contract
Abellana clarified that the facility began "limited operations" about two to three days before the hearing, accepting only 50 metric tons of waste daily from private commercial establishments in Cebu City, including malls. This is happening despite the absence of a signed contract between the company and local government units.
No Formal Notice Given
Councilor Joel Garganera, who led the hearing, stated that no formal notice was given regarding the reopening. The council questioned the lack of transparency, coordination, and public safety, especially since the investigation into the deadly incident has not been concluded. Over 30 people were buried and killed in the waste landslide.
Partial Lifting of Cease and Desist Order
Abellana explained that the reopening was based on a "partial lifting" of the cease and desist order issued by the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) 7. The clearance allows only limited operations within an "interim cell" that is currently used to receive and manage waste under controlled conditions.
DENR 7 Solid Waste Management Chief John Roy B. Kyamko confirmed that the agency issued the partial lifting. "They can already operate in the area that was partially lifted," Kyamko said, assuring that the specific zone remains safe. He added that the DENR conducted an ocular inspection before granting the partial lifting.
Following the hearing, the facility continued its limited operations under the DENR clearance.
