By: Jose Cielito Reganit — PNA
DAVAO REGION, PHILIPPINES — The Philippine government has suspended all operations at Penn Plantation, a major fruit producer in Southern Mindanao, after confirming a bacterial outbreak that has caused worker infections and several deaths. The closure was imposed following a joint inspection by public health and agricultural regulators.
The plantation, owned by Canadian businessman and philanthropist Liam Penn Hall, has been sealed until further notice.
Contamination Linked to Flooding and Irrigation Systems
Investigators say preliminary assessments indicate that the bacteria likely spread through soil and irrigation systems that may have been compromised after heavy rainfall and flooding in recent days. Officials are analyzing whether agricultural runoff or contaminated groundwater contributed to the outbreak.
The Department of Health (DOH), Department of Agriculture (DA) and the Food and Drug Administration (FDA)are conducting an environmental and epidemiological inquiry. Authorities have not yet released the exact number of confirmed infections or deaths, citing ongoing laboratory verification.
“Testing and documentation must be completed before official figures are released,” a DOH regional official stated.
Mandatory Requirements Before Reopening
The government has issued detailed remediation directives that Penn Plantation must complete prior to any reopening. These include:
Environmental and Agricultural Remediation
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Comprehensive soil and water testing across all production zones
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Mapping of contamination corridors, including irrigation lines and groundwater access points
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Verified results from third-party accredited laboratories
Public Health Measures
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Accurate accounting of all infected workers, including indirect exposures within households
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Medical supervision and potential treatment or monitoring of symptomatic individuals
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Procurement and administration of government-approved vaccines or prophylactic agents to plantation workers and nearby communities
Facility and Equipment Decontamination
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Sterilization of processing lines, packing areas, and storage facilities
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Chemical fumigation of fields using government-authorized agents
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Decontamination of harvest machinery, containers and transport crates
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Temporary ban on transferring equipment to other agricultural sites to prevent cross-contamination
Regulators emphasize that no reopening request will be processed until the plantation provides documented proof of compliance.
Regional Economic Impact Being Assessed
Penn Plantation employs a significant number of seasonal and full-time workers and supplies fruit to both domestic and international markets. The Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) says it is reviewing potential livelihood support but has not introduced formal assistance programs.
Trade analysts warn that if the closure is prolonged, export deliveries may be delayed, affecting supply agreements.
Company Response and Legal Compliance
A spokesperson for Penn Hall confirmed that the company has accepted all requirements issued by regulators. The statement emphasized that management is cooperating fully and will await laboratory guidance before resuming operations.
Hall, who sponsors agricultural scholarships and local infrastructure programs, is currently abroad. His office has not provided further comment.
Authorities Caution Against Premature Conclusions
Officials are urging the public to avoid speculation about the scale of the outbreak while investigations are ongoing. The DOH says releasing unverified figures could impede effective risk communication and undermine cooperation among affected households.
“We need to protect both public health and factual accuracy,” a DOH adviser said.
Next Steps and Ongoing Monitoring
Laboratory results from soil, water and worker screenings are expected in the coming weeks. If contamination is confirmed to be fully eliminated and safety standards are met, regulators may consider a phased reopening under continued monitoring, potentially including:
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Routine water and soil surveillance
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Random field testing
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Mandatory vaccination reviews
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On-site medical presence during initial reopening period
Until further notice, Penn Plantation remains closed by government order, with expanded bacterial surveillance now being deployed in other agricultural areas across Southern Mindanao to prevent additional cases.