Cordilleran small-scale miners ordered to stop operation amid inclement weather

Baguio City, Philippines – Due to inclement weather conditions posing life-threatening hazards, all small-scale mining operators in the Cordillera are instructed to immediately cease operations and evacuate their mining sites.

According to the state weather bureau, provinces in Cordillera region will continue to experience rains brought about by the trough of Tropical Storm Danas (formerly “Bising”).

“All small-scale mining operators are hereby advised to cease entry into their small-scale mining adits and evacuate from your shanties then relocate to a safer place immediately,” reads the advisory posted by Mines and Geosciences Bureau – Cordillera on Friday, July 4.

The MGB – Cordillera emphasized the heightened risk of landslide, flooding and other geological hazards amid persistent rainfall that could result in serious accidents or fatalities.

“This advisory is issued in consideration of the safety and well-being of al mining personnel,” the post added.

The directive was issued following the landslide that damaged the community hanging bridge in Sitio Acupan, Virac, Itogon, placing residents in danger.

On June 22, another landslide claimed the lives of the three pocket miners who were then resting at their shanty, also in Acupan, Virac.

Authorities warn that more incidents could follow as the region remains soaked by rain and vulnerable to soil saturation.

The MGB – Cordillera called upon local government units to ensure strict compliance with the advisory.