2 men buried alive

CEBU, Philippines — Two people died when a makeshift tunnel they were working on had collapsed at Sitio Ylaya, Talamban, Cebu City around 9 a.m. yesterday.

The fatalities were identified as Ramy Cadampog, 28, and his nephew, Jerwin Cadampog, 17. Both are residing in the same area near the river.

The search and rescue operation lasted about five hours, where a construction company offered their backhoe.

Talamban Barangay Captain Dario Arcilla has confirmed their death.

Police Captain Jonathan Bethooven Taneo, Talamban Police Station Chief, said they have retrieved the body at around 2 p.m.

Arcilla said the victims were digging an estimated 20-feet hole to gather some sand which they can sell afterwards .

"Pero ang balas na ilang gikuha kilid lang sa sapa, mga 15 meters gikan sa kilid sa sapa kay nindot kuno ug balas ang ilalom mao tung nagkuykoy sila. Daghan na silang nakuha na kuno," said Arcilla.

Arcilla added that the two managed to create a tunnel by digging which can already be considered illegal.

Prior to the incident, Arcilla said they have been guarding these areas near the place of incident since the digging of soil in that area was rampant. In fact, they were able to confiscate excavation materials from those who were reprimanded before because of the same activity.

"Kay ang among sigeg ipadakop bisan kining mga police diri kay kining dia ra gyud diri dapit sa sapa kay naa may daghang report," Arcilla said.

Arcilla said this was the first time a portion of the area had collapsed.

The minor's parents said they have long prohibited their son into doing such excavation, but to no avail.  GAN (FREEMAN)