Illegal Mine Tunnel Collapse Kills One, Injures Another in Dumingag
with reports from Ely DumabocIPIL, ZAMBOANGA SIBUGAY - A tragic incident linked to illegal mining claimed the life of one man and left another seriously injured after an abandoned tunnel collapsed in Barangay Licabang, Dumingag, on Saturday evening, authorities reported.
Police said the incident occurred at around 6:12 p.m. on December 27 in Purok 5, a remote and mountainous area located approximately 750 meters above sea level. The site was identified as an abandoned mining tunnel allegedly used for the extraction of copper minerals locally known as “karoko,” which are believed to contain traces of gold.
The fatality was identified as Eddie Tunggian, 44, a married farmer and resident of Barangay Licabang. Initial investigation revealed that Tunggian had entered the tunnel when a structural support inside reportedly failed, causing soil and rocks from above to collapse into the passage.
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A nearby resident told authorities that a loud thudding sound was heard coming from the hillside moments after Tunggian entered the tunnel, prompting concern among locals in the area.
The incident was reported to the Dumingag Municipal Police Station by the victim’s 36-year-old sister, a resident of Barangay Ditulan. Due to the rugged terrain and limited access to the site, responding police officers and investigators were only able to reach the area at approximately 10:04 p.m.
By the time authorities arrived, local residents and bystanders had already initiated rescue efforts. Tunggian was declared dead at the scene, while another miner identified only by a nickname was rescued with serious injuries after being struck by falling debris. The injured miner was immediately transported to a medical center in Ozamiz City for emergency treatment.
Police investigation confirmed that the tunnel was part of an illegal and abandoned mining operation, lacking proper structural support and safety measures. Authorities warned that such sites pose extreme risks and are often considered deadly hazards for individuals seeking minerals.
The remains of Eddie Tunggian were brought to Dumingag Celerian Funeral Homes in Barangay Caridad. Local officials are expected to reiterate warnings against entering abandoned or unregulated mining areas, stressing the serious dangers associated with illegal mining activities in the region.
