Palace sends team to probe Davao mine accident

DAVAO CITY , Philippines – President Aquino ordered an investigation into the landslide that occurred last Thursday at the gold mining site in the boundary of Tarragona and Mati City in Davao Oriental where 20 miners were reportedly trapped after three mine tunnels collapsed.

A special team from the Office of the Executive Secretary led by Assistant Secretary Gerry Cabrera of the Anti-Terrorism and Special Concerns arrived here yesterday afternoon and flew by helicopter to Tarragona.

Eight bodies were earlier reported to have been recovered from the landslide area in Sitio Bangol, Barangay Tubaon in Tarragona.

Cabrera flew back to Davao City after the aerial inspection.

The President reportedly wanted to get a clear picture of the incident at the mining site following conflicting reports on the actual number of casualties. While villagers claimed eight bodies have been retrieved from the area, local officials insisted that only one miner was injured.