BACOLOD CITY, Philippines – A farmer died after he was trapped in a 20-foot hole that he and his two sons have been excavating in search for treasure in this city on Thursday.
Police retrieved the body of Reinhart Redondo, 47, from a hole located near a river in Barangay Mansilingan at around 2:45 p.m.
Redondo’s minor sons were rescued by members of the Amity Volunteer Fire Brigade. They were rushed to the hospital for treatment.
Case investigator Police Officer 2 Jovito Zamora said a resident sought their help at around 10:30 a.m.
Investigation showed the victims have been digging for eight months and went into the hole to search for treasure.
They reportedly assigned a six-year-old boy to keep watch by the river. The boy sought the help of the neighbors after the Redondos failed to respond to his calls.