4 treasure hunters buried in landslide, feared dead – LGU

DAVAO CITY – The rescue team has stopped its operation for four minors trapped in a collapsed tunnel this Sunday morning in Purok 1, Brgy Kinamayan, Sto. Tomas, Davao del Norte.

Sto Tomas City Administrator Atty. Eliza Evangelista-Lapena, started the retrieval operation on Monday morning for the victims Kayl Castaneres, Gerick Marquez, Dindo Panares, and Rustom Rancho who are all residents of Kapalong, Davao del Norte and are all minors.

The Incident Command System and Emergency Medical Responders allegedly decided after their assessment meeting last night and the rescue team confirmed that there were no signs of life under the collapsed tunnel.

Lapena said the victims were feared dead after a 24-hour trap where a possible airway was blocked.

Earlier, the tunnel collapsed at 9:00 a.m. Sunday but fellow treasure hunters only reported that it was 1:00 p.m. after they could no longer control the situation.

Lapena added that the barangay had earlier stopped digging in April, but allegedly continued secretly.