Coal mine accident kills 3

CEBU, Philippines - Instead of making the usual climb down a pit they were working in, three coal mine workers “hitched” a ride with the drum that was used to take coal out of the mine.

The cable that held the drum cut loose, so the drum fell along with Ramonito Tagalog, 42, Michael Valdez, 46, and Junrey Bayo, 28.

They fell 100 feet down the coal mine owned by Adelina Hermita in Barangay Lawaan.

Both Tagalog and Valdez are residents of Barangay Magtagubtob, Danao while Bavo is from Barangay Lawaan, Danao City.

It was Hermita who reported the incident to the Danao City Police Station

Initial police investigation revealed that the three victims just finished their lunch break and were on their way down to start the afternoon’s work.

In a telephone interview, SPO4 Jose Salingua Jr. said that one was already getting down their usual way, which was through the sides of the pit and holding on to a cable.

Two workers, however, decided to ride the empty drum which was on its way down. They called the other one to join them. The cable was apparently not able to bear the weight of the three men as it was cut loose.

The men fell to their deaths 100 feet below. According to the police, the victims had broken skulls, broken arms and spines.

Salingua said they were not wearing protective gear.

They were taken to the St. Peter Funeral Homes for post examination.

The owner of the mine and the victims’ families were still discussing things as of last night, so it was still not certain if charges will be filed.

Just two days ago, a group of nongovernmental organizations brought their anti-mining campaign advocacy in Cebu and called for a moratorium on mining.

During their anti-mining workshop in Lahug, Cebu City, the Philippine Misereor Partnership Inc. lamented that many have lost their lives to mining.

Also, they cited the damage that mining has brought to the environment.

The group also called for the immediate payment of damages to mining