5 die, 2 missing in Agusan landslide

SANTIAGO, Agusan del Norte  , Philippines  —   Five miners died while two others were reported missing following a landslide that buried a bunkhouse in a remote area here on Sunday night, authorities reported yesterday.

One miner survived the incident, which occurred at around 9 p.m. on the slope of Mt. Manhupaw in Barangay Pangaylan, according to Chief Superintendent Gilbert Cruz, Caraga police director.

The remains of the victims were recovered by members of a search and rescue team on Wednesday morning.

Inspector Ronelo Dormitoryo, Santiago police chief, identified the fatalities as Rene Daguing, Casiano Iligan, Ramil Iligan, Jun Rex Perig and Tata Salahay.

The lone survivor,  identified as Alan Daguing, was rescued by his fellow miners the day after the landslide.

Daguing was brought to the Cabadbaran City District Hospital for treatment.

Search and rescue operations continued as of yesterday afternoon for two missing miners,  identified as Jay-R Matadong, 28, and Gaga Matanog, 31.

The victims were preparing to sleep when rocks and mud rolled down from the mountain.

Authorities said the landslide was caused by heavy rains brought by Typhoon Amang.    – With Jaime Laude, Emmanuel Tupas