Cops probe reports of gunfire, blasts near mine site in Benguet town

BAGUIO CITY-Police are investigating the bursts of gunfire and explosions that residents and officials reported hearing near a mine site in Mankayan town in Benguet province early morning Thursday.

Mankayan Mayor Materno Luspian said he received calls past 12 a.m. Thursday about a supposed firefight near a police substation in Colalo village, and explosions close to the tailings dam of Lepanto Consolidated Mining Co. (LCMC).

Luspian said a report indicated that a generator set of a chemical laboratory in Colalo was also destroyed.

Police or Mankayan officials have yet to release details about the identity of people or groups involved in the gun firing and explosions. RJLA/rga