March 16, 2026 — Mayor Bernard S. Waclin commended the Itogon Fire Station, the Tuding Fire Sub-station, Philex Mines Security Group, and a dedicated network of volunteers from PENRO and CENRO, and residents for their seamless teamwork in suppressing three critical fire incidents in Barangay Ampucao, Itogon between March 12 to 15, 2026.
Under the leadership of Ground Commander FINSP JULIUS T WANAWAN, responders—including Philex Mines Security group, volunteers from PENRO and CENRO—battled a massive forest fire in St. Louis Highschool Philex that began at 3:43 PM on March 12; despite challenging terrain and tornado-like winds, the team utilized fire breaks and continuous mapping to declare it out by 11:50 AM on March 14. Initial estimates show that around 5 hectares of land were affected, with a pending confirmation from Municipal Environment and Natural Resources Office (MENRO).
According to Fire Officer III Billy Jack P. Palaci, Fire and Arson Investigator of the Itogon Fire Station, the teams pivoted to Sitio Lumbag on March 13 at 1:03 PM, where they fought an approximately 3-hectare blaze through the night using swatting techniques and water lines. Due to the steep terrain, some areas were difficult to access. The fire intensified later that night, prompting responders to return and continue suppression efforts until the following morning. The fire-out was declared at 7:30 AM on March 15.
Itogon Fire Officers also responded to a residential fire in Tomtombek, Ampucao, involving the house of Mr. Jemory Julian on March 15. Fire Officer Palaci stated that the incident was reported through 911 at 9:51 AM, and responders from the Tuding Fire Sub-station arrived at 10:37 AM. The fire was already in the decay stage and was declared fire out at 10:45 AM, affecting only about 4-square meters of the kitchen area, with an estimated damage cost of 6,000 pesos.
While the Tomtombek case was accidental, the St. Louis Highschool – Philex and Sitio Lumbag forest fires remain under investigation.
Authorities also reminded the public to remain vigilant and avoid potential fire hazards such as burning of garbage, careless disposal of cigarette butts, slash-and-burn farming practices, and children playing with matches or lighters, especially during dry conditions.
Photos by Itogon Fire Station
[Content and layout by by PIO interns: Charmaine Capsula, Nicolle Joy Delmas, Rhyza Joie Tomas; BSU BA COMM]
