Miner’s body found in tunnel

TUBA, Benguet – A 48-year-old miner, who was suspected to have been trapped, was found dead by his fellow miners inside a mine tunnel at Camp 6 here.

Chief Supt. Eugene G. Martin, regional police director, identified the victim as Ben Baligno, 48, married, pocket miner, native of Tadian, Mountain Province, resident of Camp 6, Tuba, Benguet.

Police investigation showed the victim went inside the tunnel to continue extracting ores late afternoon on May 17 when typhoon "Cosme" was whipping the Cordillera.

His companions, who refused to join him in the operation, were alarmed when Baligno did not come back to their residence the past two days.

They sought the assistance of the Tuba police station in the search of their missing companion.

Later, rescuers found the body of the victim inside the tunnel which was reportedly filled with water. – Dexter A. See