TWO were dead after a landslide struck on Thursday evening at Sitio Tipakis, Barangay Tapak, Paquibato District, Davao City.
Their bodies were retrieved nine hours after they were buried beneath soil and rocks.
Based on the report, about 9 p.m. on May 23 a certain Dominador Bravo, 52, farmer and a resident of Barangay Sumimao, Paquibato District appeared at Paquibato Police Station and informed them that there was a landslide at Sitio Tipakis.
Upon learning the incident, they dispatched personnel to the area.
Investigation showed that the incident happened around 3 p.m. on May 23 but police said that it was reported to them at 9 p.m. and the bodies were unearthed past 12 midnight.
The victims were identified as Ernesto Cabiles, 68, married, a treasure hunter resident of Purok Perfect Harmony, Barangay Malabog, Paquibato District, Davao City, and Junite Hurtil Jr., 19, single, also a treasure hunter and resident of Purok 2, Barangay Sumimao, Pauibato District, Davao City.
David Latawan Matabia, 56, purok chairman of Sitio Tipakis, said a concerned citizen came to him and asked for assistance after the treasure hunters were hit by a rock while drilling at the area where the landslide happened.
Upon arrival at the place, Cabiles and Hurtil have sustained serious physical injury and were immediately carried out on foot. However, the victims died while being transported to Barangay Salapawan, Paquibato.
Their cadavers are now to Rivera Funeral Parlor, Licanan, Lasang, Davao City. (JCR)