DENR issues cease and desist order vs Cebu landfill operator

CEBU, Philippines – The Department of Environment and Natural Resources in Central Visayas (DENR 7) has issued a cease-and-desist order (CDO) against Prime Integrated Waste Solutions, Incorporated (PIWSI), the operator of the Cebu City landfill where a landslide killed at least eight people. 

On Thursday, January 8, the landfill in Barangay Binaliw, Cebu City, collapsed, causing a landslide that destroyed a materials recovery facility (MRF) in the area. As of Monday, January 12, 18 people have been hospitalized while 28 remained missing, according to officials.

“The CDO was issued pursuant to Environmental Management Bureau (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,” DENR 7 said in a press release sent to Rappler on Monday afternoon, January 12.

According to DENR 7, the CDO directs the facility to cease landfill operations but exempts the continuation of rescue, retrieval, and cleanup operations in coordination with government 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,” DENR 7 added in their press release.

Signs of life

Cebu City Mayor Nestor Archival, citing reports from rescuers, said on Monday morning, January 12, that rescue ops at the site of the Binaliw landfill still continue as signs of life are being detected in the area days after the landslide there.

“We are still in rescue mode,” Archival told reporters during a presser.

According to the mayor, volunteer responders from Apex Mining Companu, Incorporated reported that there are still signs of life in the vicinity of the landfill, particularly in the landslide site, based on readings from their detectors.

Rescue operations were supposed to end on Sunday, January 11, but were extended after detectors recorded signs of life.

Archival noted the difficulties in expediting the search and rescue of the 28 missing individuals, citing challenges brought about by the MRF’s structural design, presence of hazardous materials, and limited access to equipment.

No city probe yet

While concerned environmentalist groups have called for an investigation into the cause of the landslide, Archival said that a city-led probe has not yet begun pending the search and rescue efforts at the landfill.

DENR 7’s Mines and Geosciences Bureau conducted a site investigation after the incident, based on a January 9 situation report.

Based on their findings, the possible reasons being considered for the collapse include the oversaturation of landfill due to periodic rainfall, probable lapses in geotechnical or engineering consideration for the landfill stockpiles, and the location of the landfill.

“According to the consultant of [PIWSI], the estimated total landfill stockpile height as of present is about 35 meters from ground level, with benching works conducted at every 6 meter elevation,” the report read.

On January 8, PIWSI released their statement on the incident, confirming the landslide and their coordination with the local government and concerned agencies to provide assistance to those affected and victims.

“Operations at the facility have been suspended and we appeal to the public to refrain from going near the affected area,” their statement read.

PIWSI is a subsidiary of Prime Infrastructure Capital Incorporated, which is led by business tycoon Enrique Razon Jr.

Rappler has reached out to PIWSI for a comment on the issue but has yet to receive any reply. This story will be updated with their statement once the company responds. – Rappler.com