THE Police Regional Office Cordillera (PRO-COR) is set to implement the closure of illegal small-scale mining areas in the region to prevent more deaths brought about by gas poisoning.
This following the latest death of two miners in Itogon, Benguet who were found lifeless in the morning of August 14, 2018 at level 70 Antamok, Ucab, Itogon.
“During the meeting, we reported to the members of the council on latest victims of alleged gas poisoning which we saw as an immediate concern and suggested some measures to prevent this from happening again. We suggested that warnings and closures should be implemented particularly during inclement weather,” said PRO-COR Director Rolando Nana.
The Itogon Municipal Police Office identified the victims as Astrid Guitelen 22, single, native of Bangaan, Sagada, Mt. Province and Jomar Lay-os 23, single, native of Fidelisan, Sagada, Mt. Province both residing at 70 Antamok, Ucab, Itogon, Benguet who entered their tunnel operated by one Angie Ognayon at level 70 Antamok, Ucab, Itogon, Benguet, at around 5:00 pm on August 14, 2018 to fix their mine blower.
“We want to caution our small scale miners to refrain from entering their tunnels particularly during inclement weather and strong rains because according to information we gathered, mining tunnels emits different substances of toxic fumes which causes deaths to miners particularly during the onset of strong and continuous rains,” Nana explained.
After four hours, the two miners failed to come out from their tunnel prompting their companions to follow and found both lying at ground 200 meters away from the entrance.
They were retrieved by their companions and rushed at BGHMC but was unfortunately declared dead on arrival.
Their remains have been brought home by their relatives at Northern, Sagada, Mt. Province.
Itogon Municipal police Station chief Eugene Raymundo said this was the second case of alleged gas poisoning since last month which also claimed the lives two other small scale miners.