Cebu city: The Philippine Navy (PN) on Monday announced that the Naval Forces Central (NFC), responsible for operations in the Visayas region, has mobilized a search, rescue, and retrieval (SRR) team to assist in the ongoing rescue efforts after the landslide at the landfill in Barangay Binaliw, Cebu City on January 8.

According to Philippine News Agency, the SRR team was dispatched to support existing response measures. The Navy's statement detailed that the team comprises specially-trained naval personnel equipped with technical rescue tools and personal protective gear, ready to operate in hazardous and unstable environments. This deployment underscores the Command's dedication to providing humanitarian aid and disaster response in coordination with local government units and affected communities.

Upon reaching the affected site on January 11, the NFC SRRT, functioning under the Joint Task Group Cebu, promptly engaged with the Cebu City Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office, the Cebu City Bureau of Fire Protection, the Cebu City Police Office, and other responding agencies. This inter-agency effort aims to ensure a cohesive and systematic approach to search, rescue, and retrieval operations, with a focus on the safety of both responders and civilians.

The PN highlighted the significance of swift rescue operations while maintaining the safety of responders. Additionally, the Navy stated that ground conditions are being closely monitored, with operational changes made as necessary to minimize the risk of further incidents.

The landslide has resulted in the reported deaths of six individuals, with 12 others injured and 31 still missing.