Miners trapped inside Diwalwal tunnel

DAVAO CITY — Several miners are still believed trapped inside a tunnel at the gold-rush site at Mt. Diwalwal due to suffocating smoke from burned tires laced with cyanide.

Authorities confirmed one fatality, a certain Roberto Zamora, said to be a trusted timberman of Diwalwal barangay chairman Franco Tito.

Compostela Valley Gov. Jose Caballero said at least 10 miners were rescued Wednesday night, including a certain Jun Enriquez who had difficulty breathing due to suffocation.

The tire burning was blamed on the raging conflict between small-scale miners and big-time mining financiers at Mt. Diwalwal.

Last month, President Arroyo directed Davao City Mayor Rodrigo Duterte to help find a lasting solution to the long-standing dispute at the gold-rush site which has claimed several lives. — Edith Regalado