SEVEN people have died from suspected gas poisoning inside a mining tunnel in Itogon, Benguet, the Municipal Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office (MDRRMO) confirmed Friday.
MDRRMO chief Engr. Cyril Batcagan said the victims were believed to be gold miners who were overcome by toxic fumes that had built up underground. The tragedy came to light when the group failed to return from their shift, prompting fellow workers to enter the tunnel and find them unresponsive. All seven bodies have since been recovered, identified, and turned over to their families.
Batcagan told Super Radyo dzBB that the mining operation was unauthorized and illegal — the local government had no knowledge of activity at the site.
Investigators suspect poor ventilation allowed dangerous gases to accumulate in the confined space, though the exact nature of the toxic substance and the precise cause of the buildup remain under investigation. The incident underscores the grave risks posed by unregulated small‑scale mining in the Cordillera region, where makeshift tunnels often lack proper structural support, air circulation, and safety equipment.
Authorities are now evaluating whether to permanently seal and close the tunnel to prevent further accidents. The local government is also reviewing broader measures to detect and curb unauthorized mining activities across the municipality. Itogon has previously seen similar fatalities linked to informal mining, and officials have repeatedly warned that operations without permits and safety inspections are extremely hazardous.
metrosundaily
