The Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) has ordered the temporary closure of a sanitary landfill in Cebu following a trash slide that killed several people.
In a statement on Monday, the DENR said it issued a cease-and-desist order against Prime Integrated Waste Solutions Inc. (PIWSI), the operator of the Binaliw sanitary landfill, after an inspection conducted a day after the incident on January 8.
The order requires the company to stop all landfill operations, including accepting new waste. Only rescue, retrieval, and cleanup activities are allowed, and these must be coordinated with other government agencies. PIWSI was also directed to attend a technical conference and submit a compliance plan within 90 days.
The DENR said the closure was ordered under existing rules that allow authorities to stop operations when there is an immediate risk of serious environmental damage. The agency added that it is coordinating closely with local governments on waste management and enforcement of environmental regulations.
According to the DENR, its immediate priority is to ensure public and environmental safety and to prevent further risks to lives and property. It also committed to a full and impartial investigation to determine the cause of the incident and identify those responsible.
Local reports said at least six people have died, while 32 others remain missing due to the trash slide.
PIWSI has previously said that its Cebu facility uses modern waste-processing equipment capable of handling up to 1,000 metric tons of solid waste per day.
