MANILA – Benguet Corp said it suspended operations in a landslide hit area and small-scale miners there had resisted orders to halt operations.

Warnings and notices to stop small-scale mining were met with "resistance and outright refusal," Benguet Corp told the stock exchange, after dozens were left dead or missing in a landslide triggered by typhoon Ompong (Mangkhut) in Itogon town.

Benguet Corp said it also issued notices that the old bunkhouses or shanties in the area were unsafe.

"During the period of suspension, the Antamok mines was gradually encroached by small-scale operations. Their unregulated mining activities are without permission from the company," Benguet Corp said.

Benguet Corp said it has provided medical assistance to victims and helped in rescue operations in Barangay Ucab, Itogon.

The Chamber of Mines of the Philippines also urged the government to intensify the crackdown against illegal small-scale mining.

• Search continues for survivors in Benguet landslide