3 miners buried alive, 1 injured 1 in Itogon, Benguet landslide

Benguet, Philippines – Persistent rain unleashed a 100-meter landslide that buried three miners in Camp 5, Acupan, Virac, Itogon, Benguet.

The surviving 16-year-old miner, Joenard Alila Tigibon, recounted they were temporarily staying at their shanty after working at a mine nearby when the landslide occurred at around 6 p.m. on Sunday, June 22.

When Joenard noticed that the soil began to collapse, he immediately ran. He was struck by falling debris but was able to escape to safety and sought help from local authorities.

His companions, including his two siblings, were asleep at the time of the incident so they were unable to escape.

After two hours of rescue and operation, the fire bureau, police, and disaster officials of Itogon, along with other volunteers, were able to retrieve the bodies of the three miners.

The victims were rushed to the medical clinic of Benguet Corporation but were all declared dead on arrival.

The fatalities were identified as Joemarie Alila Tigibon, 30, and Jomer Alila Tigibon, 28, both pocket miners from Donsol, Sorsogon, and Ramel Padseco, 24, from Atok, Benguet.

This is the first landslide in Itogon that claimed lives this year.

The local government unit of Itogon and the miners’ employers pledged financial aid to the families of the victims.

Meanwhile, the town’s fire bureau reminded residents, especially those residing in high-risk areas, to stay alert and immediately report any sign of ground movement to local authorities.