Retrieval operation for the bodies of landslide victims in Itogon, Benguet
BENGUET, Philippines – Municipal Councillor Arnel Bahingawan clarified reports about mining operation in Barangay Ucab in the municipality of Itogon where a bunkhouse was swallowed by a massive landslide during the onslaught of Typhoon Ompong.
In an interview with UNTV News on Monday, September 17, Bahingawan said the bunkhouse was actually abandoned and families of miners around the area turned it into an evacuation center in the course of the typhoon.
The local official clarified that the operation of Benguet Corporation in the area had long ended since 1990’s. He explained that the fate of the miners remained uncertain because their application for small-scale mining operation is still pending.
“Nag-end na ang operation 1990s pa. During the time of Secretary Gina (Lopez), may directive na to go on with the final mine rehabilitation and commissioning. Kaso naalis si Ma’am Gina (so) naka stand by ang status nila,” Bahingawan said.
“Ang mga kababayan naman natin na gustong mag mina outside ng property ng kumpanya, tinatry naman nila na mag-form ng association for them to comply with the provisions of the small-scale mining law. Nakabinbin pa ang mga application nila,” he added.
The Mines and Geosciences Bureau in Cordillera previously warned against mining in Itogon, Benguet because the municipality’s soil has become saturated due to a long period of monsoon rains especially in August prior to the onset of Typhoon Ompong. The agency has issued a standing stoppage order to all small-scale mining in the municipality.
As of 12:00 noon Monday, Bahingawan said they have retrieved a body of a male victim under a concrete.
He clarified that they are still in the rescue phase of the operation, not retrieval, as they hope that there are still survivors under the rubble. – Marje Pelayo (with reports from Nel Maribojoc)
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