Families of workers killed in the Binaliw landfill collapse have begun receiving financial assistance as government agencies process compensation claims and continue investigations into possible safety and environmental violations at the site.
The landfill operator, Prime Integrated Waste Solutions Inc. (PIWSI), has released P50,000 in initial cash assistance to each bereaved family and committed to shoulder funeral, burial, cremation, and medical expenses, according to the Department of Labor and Employment in Central Visayas (DOLE 7).
DOLE 7 Tri-City Field Office chief Marites Mercado said the assistance forms part of the company’s immediate obligations to affected workers and their families following the incident, which claimed 36 lives out of the 118 workers identified at the Barangay Binaliw landfill.
All affected workers are covered by SSS, PhilHealth, and Pag-IBIG, with benefits now being processed on a priority basis, Mercado said, adding that the incident is being treated as work-related.
This classification allows injured workers and the dependents of those who died to claim benefits under the Social Security System and the Employees’ Compensation Commission, with amounts depending on individual contribution records.
Despite the suspension of landfill operations, PIWSI has paid the full January salaries of workers, including those hired through subcontractors.
Mercado clarified that the remaining workers are on floating status and have not been terminated.
DOLE said discussions are ongoing to temporarily reassign affected workers to other facilities, while coordination has been made with Public Employment Service Offices in Cebu City, Mandaue City, and Lapu-Lapu City to assist those seeking alternative employment.
The Tulong Panghanapbuhay sa Ating Disadvantaged/Displaced Workers (TUPAD) program also remains available to qualified workers.
Meanwhile, the Department of Environment and Natural Resources has issued a cease-and-desist order against PIWSI, citing alleged environmental violations, effectively halting landfill operations.
DOLE is conducting a separate investigation to determine whether occupational safety standards were breached and whether administrative penalties may be imposed, including the possible liability of subcontractors involved in landfill operations.
Mercado said the subcontractor linked to the incident has been summoned but has yet to appear before the agency, as it is currently focused on assisting victims and their families.
Profiling and validation of affected workers continue to ensure that all entitled benefits and assistance are properly released as the probe progresses. (LLP)
Photo by Jacq Hernandez
