Retrieval operation for 8 missing miners halted

DAVAO CITY, Philippines – The municipal government of Pantukan, Compostela Valley has decided to stop retrieval efforts for the eight miners still missing since a landslide struck a village there on Good Friday. 

Dr. Arnulfo Lantaya, municipal health officer of Pantukan, said the decision to stop the retrieval operation came up due to certain considerations.

“One factor was the recommendation made by the Mines and Geosciences Bureau (MGB) that there is a possibility of another landslide based on the composition of the soil in the affected area and since it has also been raining without (let-up) lately,” Lantaya said.

He said retrieving the remains of those still missing in the landslide in Barangay Kingking already poses health hazards.

“The remains are already in an advance state of decomposition and the situation is no longer good for one’s health,” he said.

He said the municipal government could not risk the lives of the rescuers given the situation.

He said the families of the eight missing miners agreed in a meeting yesterday morning that the retrieval operation be stopped.

“We made sure that the families of the victims were consulted before we decided that the retrieval operation be stopped,” Lantaya said.

Records show that at least 13 miners were rescued while 14 were confirmed dead.