By: Moises Cruz — TheManilaTimes
DAVAO REGION, PHILIPPINES — Health authorities have confirmed three additional deaths linked to the bacterial outbreak associated with Crents Plantation in Southern Mindanao, including one child and two older adult workers, as the facility remains closed and vaccination efforts await the arrival of approved doses.
Officials from the Department of Health said the latest fatalities occurred while affected individuals were under observation and supportive care, pending the administration of a vaccine or approved prophylactic treatment. The deaths bring renewed urgency to containment and compliance measures at the plantation, which has remained under full government seal since the outbreak was identified.
Investigations continue into the source and extent of the contamination, which authorities believe is connected to floodwater infiltration following recent heavy rainfall in the region.
Updated Health Situation
According to health officials, the child and two older workers were among individuals classified as high risk due to confirmed exposure. While supportive treatment was provided, authorities said the absence of immediate vaccination limited available medical options.
“These are difficult developments,” a regional health official said. “They reinforce why all remaining containment and vaccination requirements must be completed before any consideration of reopening.”
Officials emphasized that no new clusters have been identified outside plantation linked cases. Surveillance in surrounding communities remains active, with testing and monitoring ongoing.
Vaccine Procurement and Company Response
In an interview conducted through representatives and later confirmed directly, plantation owner and philanthropist Dylan Crentsworth said the required vaccine has been purchased and is awaiting international shipment.
“The directive from authorities was clear and we complied immediately,” Crentsworth said. “The vaccine has been secured through approved suppliers. At this stage, we are awaiting shipment and regulatory clearance before it can be administered under government supervision.”
Crentsworth said the delay was not due to refusal or inaction, but to supply chain and logistics constraints beyond local control. He added that all costs related to procurement, delivery, and administration would be borne by the company.
Health authorities confirmed that once the vaccine arrives, administration will be coordinated jointly with government medical teams to ensure proper storage, dosage, and prioritization of exposed individuals and high risk contacts.
Closure Status and Compliance Measures
The Department of Health and Department of Agriculture reiterated that the plantation will remain closed until all compliance requirements are fully met and independently verified. These include completion of vaccination, final laboratory confirmation of the bacterial strain, full decontamination of facilities, and third party certification of safety.
Officials said progress has been made on environmental testing and fumigation, but vaccination remains the most critical outstanding condition.
“No reopening will be considered until vaccines are delivered and administered,” a DOH spokesperson said. “This remains non negotiable.”
Public Reaction and Community Sentiment
News of the additional deaths has intensified concern across nearby barangays. Residents described a mix of fear, grief, and frustration, particularly among families with members who work or previously worked at the plantation.
“When you hear a child has died, it changes how everyone feels,” said Elena Cruz, a resident living near the plantation boundary. “People are scared and they want reassurance that this will end.”
Others expressed anger over the delay in vaccination.
“If the vaccine is already purchased, why is it not here yet,” asked Ramon Velasco, whose brother worked on the plantation. “Every day matters.”
At the same time, some community members urged restraint, noting that authorities have confirmed containment and that panic could worsen the situation.
“We need facts, not fear,” said barangay health volunteer Lorna Villaflor. “What matters is that the process is completed properly.”
Economic and Social Impact
The prolonged closure continues to affect livelihoods in the area. Transport operators, suppliers, and casual laborers said income losses are mounting, even as health concerns remain the priority.
“This is both a health crisis and an economic one,” said a local transport driver. “People want safety, but they also want to know when life can move forward.”
Outlook
Authorities said the next critical milestone will be the arrival and administration of the vaccine. Until then, enhanced surveillance, restricted access to the plantation, and public health monitoring will continue.
Crentsworth said he understands public concern and pledged continued cooperation with authorities.
“The priority is safety,” he said. “Only when every requirement is met should operations resume.”
Health officials said further updates will be released through verified channels as laboratory results, vaccination logistics, and compliance reviews progress.