The Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) Central Visayas has issued a cease‑and‑desist order to Prime Integrated Waste Solutions, Inc. (PIWSI) that operates the sanitary landfill facility in Barangay Binaliw, Cebu City.

Eight persons died in a trash slide, 18 hospitalized, and 28 are still missing, based on GMA Regional TV Balitang Bisdak report on Monday, January 12, 2026. 

A mountain of garbage slid on January 8 that led to the collapse of a structure which pinned employees in the rubble. 

In a statement issued on January 12, DENR expressed its deepest sympathies to the families affected by the trash slide incident at the private landfill.

Here is DENR's statement in full:

“The Department of Environment and Natural Resources Central Visayas expresses its deepest sympathies to the families affected by the tragic trash slide incident at the Binaliw Sanitary Landfill on January 8, 2026. 

“The Department is committed to a thorough, impartial, and evidence‑based investigation to determine the causes of the incident, the responsibilities and accountabilities of the relevant parties, and the changes needed moving forward. 

“Following the findings of DENR‑EMB Region VII technical personnel during their site inspection on 9 January 2026, the Regional Office has issued an immediate Cease‑and‑Desist Order (CDO) to Prime Integrated Waste Solutions, Inc. (PIWSI), formerly ARN Central Waste Management, Inc. The CDO was issued pursuant to EMB Memorandum Circular 2007‑002, which authorizes the EMB Regional Director to order the stoppage of operations when grave or irreparable environmental damage is imminent. 

“The CDO directs the facility to cease all sanitary landfill operations, including the acceptance of waste, except for rescue, retrieval, and cleanup operations in coordination with concerned agencies. PIWSI has also been called to a Technical Conference to establish facts and execute a compliance commitment within a period not exceeding 90 days. 

“The DENR is coordinating closely with the concerned LGUs in accordance with the mandate vested in them under Republic Act 9003 (Ecological Solid Waste Management Act of 2000)and the Local Government Code of 1991, local government units (LGUs) over solid waste management within their jurisdictions. This includes waste collection, disposal, monito ring of facilities, and enforcement of local environmental ordinances. LGUs are also required to prepare and submit a 10‑year Solid Waste Management Plan to the National Solid Waste Management Commission. 

“The DENR will work with them to determine the status of their required Solid Waste Management Plan and the oversight measures implemented. The DENR remains committed to transparency, due process, and collaboration with LGUs, communities, and stakeholders. Our priority is to ensure environmental safety, prevent further risks to life and property, and strengthen long‑term compliance with environmental laws.””””””