Landfill rescuer dies from septic shock; Cebu City LGU vows aid

The local government unit (LGU) of Cebu City has vowed assistance to the family of a rescue volunteer from Toledo City, Cebu who died from septic shock.

The 50-year-old rescue volunteer helped in the search, rescue and retrieval operations in Barangay Binaliw, Cebu City.

The rescuer reportedly sustained blisters on the feet while wearing protective boots during the operations at the landfill facility. He was hospitalized, was diagnosed with an infection in the blood, and did not recover.

Cebu City Mayor Nestor Archival expressed condolences to the bereaved family, and underscored the Days of Mourning in Cebu City due to the death of 36 landfill workers who were buried alive in the trash slide.

The LGU has backed the investigation of the Department of Environment and Natural Resources on the incident, and vowed to fast-track assistance for the surviving families not just today, but also for their future needs.

The trash slide occurred on January 8, 2026. All 36 bodies were accounted for, hours ahead of the opening of the Sinulog festivity on January 18, 2026.

Earlier, city officials and rescuers prayed that the body of the last missing worker be found prior to the formal opening of the Sinulog Festival 2026. At past 5 a.m. on January 18, the prayer was answered. — GMA Regional TV