PAGADIAN CITY – Two coal miners were trapped inside a tunnel after it collapsed due to heavy rains in Zamboanga Sibugay province in southern Philippines, police said Friday.
It said rescuers were trying to locate Richard Atayde and Wilfredo Ogao-Ogao in the village of Gandiangan in Imelda town. Police said the tunnel was also filled with rain waters and making it difficult for rescuers to search for the duo who was trapped since Thursday afternoon.
“The victims were inside the tunnel and due to heavy rains flood waters sipped through the tunnel and eventually collapsed. The victims failed to get out,” said Chief Inspector Helen Galvez, a regional police spokesperson.
She said soldiers from the 44th Infantry Battalion and fire fighters, including villagers were helping in the search for the missing miners.
The town is a known supplier of coal and small scale miners are actively operating in the area. (Mindanao Examiner)
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