THE ENVIRONMENTAL Management Bureau Region (EMB) XI started reviewing sanitary landfills in the region following the trash slide incident at the Binaliw Sanitary Landfill in Cebu City.
“While the incident occurred outside Region XI’s jurisdiction, DENR XI has taken proactive steps within the region to identify and address potential risks in sanitary landfill operations,” the agency said.
In a statement, the agency, which is under the Department of Environment and Natural Resources Region, said the move ensures landfills comply with established standards to protect public safety and environmental integrity.
To ensure compliance, EMB XI has conducted on-site inspections of all Category 4 sanitary landfills within the region.
The agency conducted inspections covering regulatory compliance, landfill and slope integrity, waste containment systems, and water quality sampling to assess possible environmental impacts.
EMB XI also issued formal notices to local government units (LGUs) operating sanitary landfills, reminding them of their responsibilities under Republic Act No. 9003, or the Ecological Solid Waste Management Act of 2000, and its Implementing Rules and Regulations.
“LGUs were directed to closely monitor landfill conditions, ensure the integrity of engineering and environmental control measures, undertake corrective actions when necessary, and submit reports on the current status of their sanitary landfills,” the agency said.
Apart from Category 4 landfills, all categories of sanitary landfills will undergo follow-up validation activities to verify compliance and risk-mitigation measures.
The Davao Regional Ecology Center is set to convene on Feb. 5, 2026, to establish a multi-sectoral monitoring team to assess overall compliance of the landfills. The monitoring team will also assess compliance, including occupational safety standards for waste workers to prevent similar incidents in Binaliw Sanitary Landfill.
DENR XI reiterated that they are ready to provide technical guidance and regulatory support to ensure that environmental safeguards are fully observed.
“DENR XI assures the public of its sustained vigilance and unwavering commitment to preventing environmental incidents and safeguarding communities and the environment,” it stressed.
On Jan. 8, a garbage landslide occurred at the Binaliw landfill in Cebu City, where a large pile collapsed, burying workers and structures. The incident claimed the lives of 38 people and injured 18 others.
The DENR issued a cease-and-desist order against the dump’s private operator, Prime Integrated Waste Solutions Inc.
