Tragedy in Mankayan Tunnel: Three young miners in Benguet die after inhaling suspected toxic fumes

Benguet, Philippines – Three young small-scale miners died after allegedly inhaling noxious gases while working inside a tunnel in Sitio Nayak, Barangay Sapid, Mankayan, Benguet, police confirmed on Tuesday.

The miners, whose names were withheld for privacy reasons, were aged 22 and 24. One was a resident of Palatong, Tabio, Mankayan, while the other two were from Upper Crystal Cave, Bakakeng Central, Baguio City.

A report from the local police stated that the three were last seen on Friday and had since been reported missing, prompting the owner of the small-scale mining operation to search for them at the site.

At around noon on Monday, February 23, the miners’ bodies were found in a state of decomposition inside the tunnel.

Based on an examination conducted by the Municipal Health Officer, the three died of asphyxia due to inhalation of an unknown gas.

The victims were claimed by their families later that day.

Authorities are continuing their investigation into the source of the gas and the safety conditions at the mining site. Meanwhile, the owner of the mining operation has pledged financial assistance to the victims’ families.