7 die in apparent gas exposure in Benguet mine

BAGUIO CITY — Seven workers were found dead inside a mining tunnel in Itogon, Benguet, after they were reportedly trapped and exposed to suspected poisonous gas, police said.

The incident occurred at about 11 p.m. on Wednesday in Sitio Dontog, Barangay Ampucao, according to the Itogon Municipal Police Station.

A witness who was alerted about the accident sought help to rescue the men, identified as Bryan Campoas Madrid, 18; Kenjie Ingaan Mangayen, 19; Orviel Kiwingan Valdez, 22; Crisanto Ingaan Gapacan Jr., 19; Hill Limong Padon, 25; Alvin Lazaro Daniel, 21; and Leonardo Bacuteng Pino, 62.

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Remote location

Emergency responders from the local community retrieved the seven men at about 11 a.m. on Thursday, all without signs of life. 

The incident was reported to police at about 12:30 p.m. the same day due to the area’s remote location.

The first six victims were residents of Barangay Banaao in Tadian, Mountain Province, while Pino was a native of Cagayan Valley, according to the Provincial Government of Mountain Province.

Police have yet to determine the type and source of the gas or how the men were exposed to it.

Authorities are also investigating the circumstances surrounding the deaths, including the nature and status of the mining operation inside the tunnel. —WITH A REPORT FROM VILLAMOR VISAYA JR.