BACOLOD CITY – A miner was found dead in a 20-feet deep tunnel in Sitio Arum, Barangay Talacagay, Hinoba-an, Negros Occidental on Tuesday, January 9.
Police identified the victim as Ignacio Ortega, 42, a native of Toboso town, Negros Occidental and temporarily staying in Barangay Talacagay.

A MINER suffocates to death inside a 20-feet deep tunnel in Barangay Talacagay, Hinoba-an, Negros Occidental on Tuesday, January 9. (Photo courtesy of Hinoba-an Municipal Police Station)
Police Major Jaynick Bermudez, town police chief, said the victim and his cousin burned a stone using charcoal inside the tunnel on Monday, January 8.
Due to the thick smoke, they left the tunnel but the victim returned alone inside the following day.
The victim was later found by his cousin unconscious. Ortega was taken to a hospital where he was declared dead.
Bermudez said the victim probably suffocated from the thick smoke. Police have yet to find out why they burned a stone in the tunnel.
He said that mining in the area was illegal but they did not reach the area where the incident happened.
Bermudez said they have informed barangay officials who will refer the incident to the local government.