Nakakalungkot: Deadly Dumpsite Collapse in Rizal Buries Scavengers, Eyewitnesses Say Over 50 Trapped

A massive garbage collapse at the Rizal Provincial Sanitary Landfill in Rodriguez, Rizal on February 20 buried dozens of scavengers who were picking through waste for recyclables — and more than a week later, families are still searching for their missing loved ones.

While official government reports say one person died and two remain missing, eyewitnesses on the ground tell a far grimmer story. Multiple accounts estimate that over 50 people were trapped under the avalanche of trash when a large section of the landfill suddenly caved in. Workers described seeing the ground give way beneath their feet before an even larger perimeter collapsed moments later.

Making the tragedy worse, witnesses allege that landfill management ordered the dumping of more garbage and bulldozing of surrounding debris shortly after the collapse — allegedly to create access paths — which may have buried even more victims. ISWIMS, the private company operating the site, denied these claims, saying all dumping was halted immediately and equipment on-site was strictly for rescue operations.

The Department of Environment and Natural Resources found "operational lapses" at the site, including a visible crack in the landfill slopes threatening further collapse, and issued a cease-and-desist order covering 6 hectares of the 50-hectare facility. Approximately 420,000 cubic meters of solid waste eroded from the affected area.

The roughly 3,000 scavengers who work the landfill — paying 50 pesos per week just for the privilege of sifting through Metro Manila's trash — now face an uncertain future as urban poor groups demand accountability and stricter safety enforcement.

Source: Mongabay