The Local Government Unit of Itogon is aware of a couple of circulating Facebook posts—initially shared by the account “Epahak Boy” and later reposted by “The Political Punch Benguet”—claiming that a dead cattle found on “poisoned soil” was caused by large-scale mining operations.
The photo showing Mayor Bernard S. Waclin with the dead cattle is being used to imply an unfounded allegation. These claims are misleading and not supported by verified reports.
Upon seeing the post, Mayor Waclin immediately instructed the Municipal Environment and Natural Resources Office (MENRO), led by Department Head Gerard S. Cornel, and the Municipal Agriculture Office (MAGRO), led by Department Head Berto O. Bayeng, to conduct a thorough investigation.
Based on the joint investigation conducted by MENRO and MAGRO, Barangay LGU Poblacion and the police confirmed that two previous cattle poisoning cases in April 2025 were officially reported, investigated, and settled at the barangay level. These incidents involved private CIP (Carbon-in- Pulp) operations. The CIP owner paid P35,000 to the cattle owner.
Poblacion Punong Barangay Flordeliza Depayso noted an incident in Ma-nit/Tococ—which is not a mining area—where a cow reportedly fell from a slope. This may be related to the photos posted online. The identity of the owner and the exact location of the incident remain unverified.
Another photo of a dead cow circulating on Facebook was grabbed and recycled from an old, original post. That incident occurred just below a CIP plant.
A separate case along the Goldcreek–Maligaya Creek in Barangay Ucab is currently scheduled for mediation, also connected to alleged contamination from small-scale CIP activities.
Representatives of the mining company denied any involvement and presented records of their regular water-quality monitoring activities, which are reviewed quarterly by the Mine Rehabilitation Fund Committee. Previous cattle deaths in the area were attributed to water contamination from private CIP activities.
The joint investigation team recommends further verification of the Ma-nit/Tococ incident, stricter action against illegal CIP operations, the reactivation and review of the local ordinance on astray animals, improved reporting and documentation of cattle poisoning cases, and the installation of perimeter fencing around Tailing Storage Facilities to prevent livestock from entering hazardous areas.
LGU Itogon, led by Mayor Bernard S. Waclin, assures the public that all verified environmental incidents are investigated promptly, and no mining operator or private entity is exempt from accountability.
The LGU remains committed to protecting communities, livestock, water systems and the environment, and encourages the public to report incidents directly to the proper authorities to ensure timely action.
