Politics

A landslide of garbage and debris at a landfill in the Philippines resulted in one death, a dozen injuries, and left at least 38 individuals missing, officials reported on Friday. Rescuers managed to save 13 people overnight and are still searching for those trapped after a large mound of waste and dirt collapsed on them Thursday afternoon in Binaliw village, Cebu City, according to police and officials. It is uncertain if local residents or others were caught up in the incident besides the landfill workers. One of the rescued, a female worker, died en route to the hospital, as confirmed by regional police director Brig. Gen. Roderick Maranan to The Associated Press. The other survivors are receiving treatment for their injuries. Jaylord Antigua, a 31-year-old office employee at the landfill, described how the collapse occurred suddenly without any warning during clear weather. The slide destroyed his office, but he managed to escape with bruises on his face and arms by crawling through the debris. “I saw a light and hurriedly crawled toward it because I was scared of more landslides,” Antigua told The Associated Press. “It was traumatic. I thought I was going to die, so I feel like I have a second chance at life.” Search and rescue operations are still ongoing for the 38 missing individuals, as stated by Cebu Mayor Nestor Archival and the Office of Civil Defense on Friday. “All response teams are fully dedicated to searching for the missing, following strict safety guidelines,” Archival said in a statement on Facebook. “The city government promises the public and the families affected that we are taking all necessary actions to ensure safety, transparency, accountability, and compassionate help as the operations continue,” he added. Photos shared by officials showed rescuers using heavy machinery to search through a building that was severely damaged by the landslide, with twisted tin roofs and metal beams visible.