The decomposing bodies of two miners were found inside a private mining tunnel in Camp 1000, Sitio Acupan, Barangay Virac, Itogon, Benguet on December 30, 2025.

The victims were discovered after residents reported a foul odor to the Itogon Municipal Police Station. They were identified as Ashford Jade Gayong Balic-o, 18, and Benjie Gulod Ayang-ang, 33, who left home on December 26 to work in the mine and failed to return.

Initial investigation showed no signs of physical injury or struggle, leading authorities to suspect gas poisoning as the possible cause of death. Police said there were no indications of foul play, and the victims’ families are reportedly willing to waive an autopsy.

Authorities continue to investigate the incident, which highlights the persistent dangers faced by small-scale and underground miners, including poor ventilation and safety risks.

The case also revives concerns over child labor and poverty in mining-dependent communities, as one of the victims was only 18 years old.