A VILLAGE in Botolan town in Zambales was placed under a 12-day lockdown after health officials detected a cluster of new Covid19 cases among employees of the Department of Education and their families.

The outbreak in Barangay Batonlapoc was traced to five DepEd employees, Mayor Doris Maniquiz said in a statement.

These employees were among the participants of two face-to-face seminars organized by the association of school principals in the province.

As of March 24, the employees have infected 16 villagers, mostly their relatives.

Provincial health officer Noel Bueno said more than 400 participants were quarantined after the training held at a resort from March 2 to 6.

Zambales Rep. Cheryl Deloso-Montalla earlier reported that 29 individuals, including principals and head teachers, who contracted Covid19 during the seminars are being treated at the President Ramon Magsaysay Memorial Hospital.

The DepEd said that officials behind the seminars will be held accountable as it clarified that the home office did not give its approval for the event.

The department prohibited face-to-face seminars and trainings until further notice.