Three small-scale miners were confirmed dead after being found in a mining site in Sapid, Mankayan, Benguet, following a report from a concerned citizen. Authorities say the deaths were likely caused by inhalation of an unknown gas.

RH Romy Gonzales reported that the Mankayan Police Station received a call about the miners, who had been missing since Friday, February 20. On February 23, the mining group’s owner went to the site around noon and discovered the decomposing bodies.

The victims’ remains were examined by the Mankayan Rural Health Office, whose Municipal Rural Health Officer declared the cause of death as asphyxia resulting from inhalation of an unknown gas.

The bodies are currently kept at the multipurpose building in Sapid, Mankayan, while authorities await the arrival of their families. Investigations into the exact source of the gas and safety conditions at the mining site are ongoing.

This incident underscores the persistent risks faced by small-scale miners, including inadequate ventilation, exposure to toxic gases, and limited safety oversight in remote mining operations. Authorities have called for stricter adherence to safety protocols and for families and operators to report any missing personnel immediately.