Three men died while two others remain missing after an illegal treasure hunting operation went wrong on a remote mountain in Sitio Unggong, Barangay Tagnato, Bataraza, Palawan on July 13.
According to a report from the Bataraza Municipal Police released July 14, five men conducted unauthorized tunneling activities about three kilometers from the highway. The hole they dug measured approximately five feet wide and around 100 feet deep.
Authorities identified the individuals involved as Fernando Abarle, 53; Robinyro B. Sinto, 35; Luptio K. Gador, 65; Edgar Gador Jala, 35; and Harjie R. Gador, 28. Most were residents of Barangay Tagnato and Salogon in Brooke’s Point.
Police confirmed the group had no permit and lacked safety gear. The tunnel reportedly had poor ventilation. Rescuers believe carbon monoxide from gasoline-powered water pumps likely caused the deaths due to oxygen displacement.
As of 3 p.m. on July 14, the body of Edgar Gador Jala was retrieved and identified by his wife. Recovery operations are ongoing.
Rescue efforts include personnel from the Bataraza Municipal Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office (MDRRMO), the Bureau of Fire Protection (BFP), the Philippine Army, barangay officials, and local police.
Authorities have suspended retrieval efforts to ensure rescuer safety and to prepare proper equipment. Residents were warned to stay away from the site.
