Itogon, Benguet – The decomposing bodies of two miners were discovered inside a private tunnel in Camp 1000, Sitio Acupan, Barangay Virac, Benguet, on December 30, 2025, prompting an immediate investigation by authorities. The incident once again highlights the dangers faced by small-scale and underground miners, where poor ventilation, toxic gases, and limited safety measures continue to pose serious risks to miners’ lives.
Just two days before New Year’s Eve, residents of Barangay Virac were drawn by a foul odor coming from inside the tunnel, which led to the discovery of the bodies. The residents then reported the situation to the Itogon Municipal Police Station (IMPS).
The IMPS identified the victims as Ashford Jade Gayong Balic-o, 18, and Benjie Gulod Ayang-ang, 33. According to Balic-o’s mother, as reported by local media, the pair left home after asking permission to work at a mine on the morning of December 26 and did not return.
As the official cause of death has yet to be determined, initial investigations revealed no signs of foul play or struggle, suggesting that possible gas poisoning led to the miners’ deaths.
Despite stating that they do not believe foul play was involved, the victims’ parents expressed willingness to sign affidavits waiving an autopsy. As of this writing, the case remains under investigation, with authorities coordinating closely with the families.
Meanwhile, although no official records confirm this, Balic-o may be among the youngest miners to have died in the region at 18 years old, underscoring concerns over the presence of child labor not only in the Cordillera but across the country, where some are forced to work at a young age to earn a living.
In June 2025, three miners were buried alive in the same municipality, particularly at Camp 5, Acupan, Virac, while a 16-year-old boy was injured after a 100-meter landslide buried their makeshift hut following persistent rain showers.
Another similar incident occurred in November 2025, when 34 out of 138 miners were initially reported missing and buried, again in Itogon—this time at Camp 1—after a landslide of mud and rocks destroyed three huts and two power posts.
Authorities initially believed the missing miners were trapped and had died inside the tunnel, but were later relieved when the individuals emerged safe and unharmed several hours later.
These incidents underscore how a significant number of mining-related casualties occur during typhoon-related landslides, particularly in mountainous areas like Benguet, where mining—aside from farming—is a major source of livelihood for locals.
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