Guard killed, bunkhouse razed in Itogon blaze

ITOGON, Benguet — Authorities are investigating the killing of a security guard and the burning of a bunkhouse, office, and staff house of Atok Gold Mines in Sitio Assay, Barangay Gumatdang, Itogon, Benguet.

The incident took place on the night of 27 October 2025.

Police identified the suspect as a fellow security guard, while the victim’s name has been withheld pending notification of family members.

Initial investigation reports indicate that a violent altercation preceded the fire. Witnesses told investigators that a heated argument broke out among the guards during a drinking session inside the barracks. The dispute reportedly escalated when one of them discharged a firearm just before the barracks was engulfed in flames.

According to the Itogon Bureau of Fire Protection (BFP), the fire was reported at around 9 p.m. Firefighters battled the blaze for hours before declaring it out at approximately 1:21 a.m. on 28 October 2025.

While BFP investigators continue to determine the cause of the fire that destroyed the three structures, police have launched a manhunt to capture the suspect.