13 miners trapped inside gold field in Benguet

Miami
September 23, 2008
Story: 13 miners trapped inside gold field in Benguet

Thirteen miners in a gold field were reportedly trapped inside the field that they are working after a landslide occurred in the area, police said.

The incident occurred at around 7:30 pm of September 22, 2008 in Benguet Mines Corporation which is located in Barangay Poblacion, Itogon (town), Benguet.

Chief Inspector Richard Albon, Chief of Police of Itogon said that they are now having a hard time to rescue the people who were trapped inside because the portals were being blocked by thick mud and rocks.

“The rescue operatives are now analysing on how they can rescue the people that were trapped inside, it is very difficult for them because of the mud blocking all the possible entrance, of course we cannot risk the lives of our rescuer to add more problem on the situation,” Albon said in a phone interview.

He added that it is believed that the miners were trapped for about 1,000 feet or more, “They were already inside doing their work when the incident happened. Probably they did not expect the landslide.”

According to the reports received by Itogon Police Station, the miners entered the gold field at around 5:30 pm that is why it is believed that they are already far away when the incident happened.

Albon added that they are also confirming if there are only 13 miners that were trapped inside, “There are reports that there are other people working on other areas, so we are still checking if there are more victims that were trapped aside from the 13.”

Albon were only identified 11 miners out of 13, they are: Joel Bolga, Gilbert Matin, Rudy Bolling Jr, Marvin Hinayod, Vincent Hinayod, Robert Buay, Joseph Anayatan, Mario Anayatan, Jojo Hinayod, Juan Hinayod, and Vincent Hinayod.

Aldo also said that they are legally working as miners and part of Saranay Community Association, a group of Miners in Benguet.

Meanwhile, another landslide occurred also in Itogon which affected about 80-90 houses.

The landslide occurred in Barangay Loakan, Itogon, Benguet, September 22, at around 6:00 pm. No one hurt or injured on the incident but, all of the houses were destroyed.

The residents whose houses were affected are currently staying at barangay hall and in Loakan elementary school.

However, Aldo said that the place were the landslide occurred in Barangay Poblacion were 13 miners were trapped, is about 30 minutes away from barangay Loakan were 80-90 houses were affected.