By LIEZLE BASA IÑIGO, FREDDIE LAZARO
QUEZON, Nueva Vizcaya — A high-risk retrieval operation on Wednesday led to the recovery of the bodies of three small-scale miners and a volunteer rescuer who perished after being trapped inside a tunnel filled with poisonous gas in Sitio Balcony, Barangay Runruno, Quezon town.
Fire Officer 2 John Roman C. Cachero, chief of the Public Information Unit of the Bureau of Fire Protection (BFP) – Quezon, reported that miner Daniel Segundo, 47, was retrieved around 11:00 p.m., followed by the bodies of Florencio Indopia, 63, and Lapihon Ayudan, 56, at 12:21 a.m. All were residents of Barangay Runruno. They were found inside a tunnel stretching over 400 meters.
Earlier on Wednesday, volunteer rescuer John Philip Guinihid was also recovered – but already lifeless. His companion, Johny Ayudan, was rescued alive.
Guinihid had entered the tunnel on June 24 to assist in retrieving Johny’s brother, Lipihon.
Relatives and community members hailed Guinihid as a local hero for his bravery, selfless service, and courage.
The five miners were trapped after entering the tunnel on the evening of June 23. Two of them—Alfred S. Bilibli and Joval Bantiyan, both of Maddela, Quirino—were rescued on June 24 and remain in stable condition at the hospital.
Pastor Mario dela Cruz of Philippine Bethel Church, Inc., one of the rescuers, said the miners suffered dizziness, headaches, and loss of consciousness due to low oxygen levels inside the tunnel.
FO2 Cachero added that the presence of poisonous gas made the retrieval efforts even more dangerous and challenging.
Rescue operations were carried out by personnel from local government units, the Philippine National Police, BFP, community volunteers, and staff from FCF Minerals Corporation and OceanaGold Philippines, Inc.
