A makeshift resting hut occupied by eight miners – four of which died, three missing, and one survived – was hit by a landslide believed to be linked in an alleged treasure hunting in Mount Manhupaw bordering the towns of Santiago and Jabonga in Agusan del Norte
The landslide happened on Sunday in the middle of tropical depression Amang’s passage in the region.
The incident was only reported on Tuesday, January 22, to the regional command of Northeastern Mindanao Police Regional Office 13 (PRO 13) placed inside Camp Col. Rafael C. Rodriguez. There was no transportation available to the landslide area and it can only be reached after more than a day of walking.
The four victims were not identified. However, the missing three are Tata Salahay, Diay Matanog, and one that goes by “Ganggang” all of which are subjects of the search and rescue operations by the local government of Santiago, Agusan del Norte.
The only survivor, Allan Daging, a resident of Barangay Hinapunan in Carmen Surigao del Sur, was rushed to the Agusan del Norte Provincial Hospital where he is still recovering from severe injuries he obtained from the landslide.
According to initial reports provided to PRO 13 Chief Supt. Gilberto DC. Cruz, Agusan del Norte Police Provincial Office (PPO), and Santiago Municipal Police Station (MPS), the victims, as well as residents of Surigao del Sur are allegedly involved in treasure hunting in Mount Manhupaw area.
Cruz ordered a thorough investigation of the landslide and the report of NPA sighting in the area. The Agusan del Norte PPO and Santiago MPS are expected to closely coordinate with the 1st Agusan del Norte Provincial Mobile Force Company, 13th Regional Mobile Force Batallion, and 29th Infantry Batallion.
