3 treasure hunters die in Quirino tunnel

BAYOMBONG, Nueva Vizcaya, Philippines – Three treasure hunters died of gas poisoning in a 100-foot deep tunnel where they were digging for gold in Quirino province Tuesday, reports said.

Police identified the fatalities as Jimmy Pableo, 33; his son Mark Anthony, 18; and Emmanuel Ignacio, 28, who were searching for gold in remote La Paz village in Saguday town.

Their remains, according to reports, were only recovered by policemen a day later.

Reports said a certain Eulogio Ignacio owns the property where the victims had dug up the tunnel for several months.

The place is believed to be where Japanese soldiers supposedly buried treasures in the last days of World War II.

Reports said a noxious substance emitted by fuel-powered water pumps, which treasure hunters used to remove water from tunnels, might have killed the victims.

“The victims were using two water pumps to drain water inside the hole (when the incident happened),” said Senior Superintendent Delfin Millo, Quirino police director.

Reports said the victims’ five companions survived the gas poisoning.