Cebu city: The Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) has ordered the immediate shutdown of the Binaliw sanitary landfill in Cebu City following a deadly trash slide that struck the facility last Thursday.

According to Philippine News Agency, the DENR expressed its deepest sympathies to the affected families and vowed to conduct 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 (Environmental Management Bureau) Region 7 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.,' a statement issued by the DENR Central Visayas on Monday read.

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 been summoned to a technical conference to establish the facts of the case and submit a compliance commitment within a period not exceeding 90 days.

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.

Cebu City Mayor Nestor Archival Sr., in an interview Monday, reported that eight people have died from the landslide, while 12 were injured and are receiving treatment in hospitals. He added that 28 individuals are still missing and are believed to be trapped under the rubble.

The DENR highlighted the role of local government units (LGUs) under Republic Act 9003, or the Ecological Solid Waste Management Act of 2000, and the Local Government Code of 1991. The law mandates LGUs with primary responsibility over solid waste management within their jurisdictions, including waste collection, disposal, monitoring of facilities, and enforcement of local environmental ordinances. LGUs are also required to prepare and submit a 10-year Solid Waste Management Plan (SWMP) to the National Solid Waste Management Commission.

DENR Central Visayas stated it would collaborate with the LGU to determine the status of their required SWMP and the oversight measures implemented. The department remains committed to transparency, due process, and collaboration with LGUs, communities, and stakeholders, with a priority on ensuring environmental safety, preventing further risks to life and property, and strengthening long-term compliance with environmental laws.