Death toll rises in Philippines landfill collapse

The death toll from a landfill collapse in the central Philippines has risen to four as rescue efforts continue for dozens of people missing.

The massive garbage pile in Binaliw in central Cebu collapsed on Thursday, when 110 workers were in the area at the time.

During the collapse, many structures within the landfill at the waste separation facility were damaged.

Cebu Mayor Nestor Archival said in a post on Facebook on Saturday that the death toll increased to four and 12 people were hospitalized.

“Authorities have confirmed that they have detected signs of life in certain areas, which requires continued careful excavation and the deployment of a more advanced 50-tonne crane,” Archival said.

According to the count made on Friday, 36 people were missing. An update on the number of casualties was not immediately available.

Families of the missing workers were hopeful Saturday that they would be found alive.

Jerahmey Espinoza, whose wife was among the missing, went to the landfill in the hope of finding her.

“They have not seen or located him since the disaster occurred. We are hopeful that he is still alive,” Espinoza said.