Miner killed, another hurt in Camarines Norte mine collapse

NAGA CITY, Philippines—A small-scale miner was found dead while another was injured when a mine tunnel in Labo town, Camarines Norte collapsed, police said Wednesday.

The fatality was identified as Marvin Barrios, 18, and the wounded as Ricardo Lilis, 33, both residents of Benit.

Police Officer 1 Fernando Torres Jr. of the Labo town police said the two were panning for gold amid the downpour in Barangay (village) Benit on Tuesday when the mining tunnel gave way.

In Jose Panganiban town, Camarines Norte, three small-scale miners were reported missing after the tunnel they were working on in Barangay Luklukan Sur also collapsed at the height of rains on Tuesday, said Governor Edgardo Tallado.

Mayor Ricarte Padilla said they have yet to identify the missing persons. “But search and rescue teams have already been sent,” he said.

Tallado added that three fishermen were reported missing in the vicinity of Calaguas Island in Vinzons town, Camarines Norte.

He said the fishermen, however, have yet to be identified.