LA TRINIDAD, Benguet – Three miners reportedly died of gas poisoning inside a mine in Sitio Nayak, Barangay Sapid, Mankayan, Benguet.
Benguet Provincial Police Office Information Officer Police Major Edwin Sergio said the victims were two 24-year-old and a 22-year-old males.
The victims were last seen alive on Feb. 20. They were reported missing by their employer after they failed to return to their quarters and their decomposing remains were discovered after three days of search operations.
Initial investigation said that the victims likely died of asphyxia due to inhalation of toxic gas inside the tunnel.
Police are investigating if the tunnel has a permit.
Authorities reminded miners not to enter a mine without informing their employer and wearing proper equipment.