Itogon, Benguet Mayor Stops Mining Operations Following COVID-19 Spike
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Itogon, Benguet Mayor Victorio Palangdan has ordered the immediate cessation of all mining operations and activities within the municipality following a spike in COVID-19 cases.
In Executive Order No. 20 issued on November 4, Palangdan ordered the Benguet Corporation, Itogon-Suyoc Resources Inc., Philex Mining Corporation and all other mining companies to immediately stop their operations.
Palangdan said the number of confirmed COVID-19 cases in Itogon surged in the past few days, particularly in barangays Virac, Poblacion, and Ampucao where the mining companies are located.
Benguet Corporation conducts mining operations in Virac, Itogon-Suyoc Resources Inc. operates in Poblacion and Philex Mining Corporation operates in Ampuc.
The Itogon Municipal Health Office said that, based on its surveillance activities, most if not all of the confirmed cases are found in the said mining areas.
The three barangays recorded a total of 425 confirmed COVID-19 cases as of November 3.
As of Thursday, November 5, contact tracing and swab testing are still ongoing in the mining areas, the mayor said.
Some communities at the mining campsites with clusters of cases were already locked down to control the movement of people and prevent the spread of the disease.
(Liz Inigo)
In Executive Order No. 20 issued on November 4, Palangdan ordered the Benguet Corporation, Itogon-Suyoc Resources Inc., Philex Mining Corporation and all other mining companies to immediately stop their operations.
Palangdan said the number of confirmed COVID-19 cases in Itogon surged in the past few days, particularly in barangays Virac, Poblacion, and Ampucao where the mining companies are located.
Benguet Corporation conducts mining operations in Virac, Itogon-Suyoc Resources Inc. operates in Poblacion and Philex Mining Corporation operates in Ampuc.
The Itogon Municipal Health Office said that, based on its surveillance activities, most if not all of the confirmed cases are found in the said mining areas.
The three barangays recorded a total of 425 confirmed COVID-19 cases as of November 3.
As of Thursday, November 5, contact tracing and swab testing are still ongoing in the mining areas, the mayor said.
Some communities at the mining campsites with clusters of cases were already locked down to control the movement of people and prevent the spread of the disease.
(Liz Inigo)