3 die in Masbate mine pit

LEGAZPI CITY, Philippines – Three small-scale miners died, allegedly from suffocation, in a mining pit in Masbate on Friday.

Wilson Petiros, 40, and Jorly Cedillo, 28, were found dead by police officers who responded to reports that two men were trapped in a mining pit, said Senior Inspector Malou Calubaquib, Bicol police spokesperson.

Francisco Bangalisan, 23, entered the pit to find out who among his companions were trapped, but he fell unconscious.

Calabaquib said Bangalisan was declared dead on arrival in a hospital.

A certain Rosebelle Rabosa of Barangay Capsay reportedly owns the mining pit.

An investigation into the incident is underway.