Bad weather hampers retrieval operations in Semirara

INQUIRER FILE PHOTO

MANILA, Philippines – Retrieval operations for five more missing miners from the landslide at a mining pit in Antique were temporarily called off due to bad weather, police said.

Chief Superintendent Agrimero Cruz Jr., Western Visayas regional director, said operations were also hampered after two more landslides occurred at the same site in Panian Pit in Semirara, Caluya, Antique.

“Retrieval operation for the meantime is temporarily suspended due to rainy weather,” he said.

The landslide at a mining site of Semirara Coal and Mining Corp. occurred around 11:55 p.m. Wednesday. Three miners were saved and five were found dead while five others remain buried under the collapsed land.

National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council identified the missing victims as Leovigildo Porras, Jan Riel Planca, Randy Tamparong, Richard Padernilla, and Junjie Gomez.

Five K9 dogs were also sent to the area to help locate the victims.

Mayor Genevive Lim-Reyes earlier said that P30,000 will be extended to families of affected miners.