Authorities have launched an operation to find two men who disappeared after a tunnel they went down to in Barangay Manay, Panabo City, Davao del Norte allegedly to hunt for treasures collapsed.

Authorities said the incident happened on March 31, 2024. The tunnel is 80 feet deep. 

The two men were identified as Rodilo Campanya, 36, of Carmen, Davao del Norte and Henry Rabino, 50, of General Santos City.

Based on initial investigation, something exploded before the tunnel gave in.

Campanya’s mother called on authorities to fast track the search and retrieval operation.

“Among panawagan nga ilaha untang tutukan nga makuha ang patayng lawas sa ilawom bahalag unsay makita didto basta ang duha ka tao mahabwa nila,” she said.

Panabo City Information Officer Michael Resueño said the two were allegedly hunting for treasures when the incident happened.

The two may have used a makeshift ladder in going down the tunnel, authorities said.

CHALLENGES

Members of the search and retrieval team are facing challenges in the operation as there is hydrogen sulfide present in the tunnel, which is flammable and dangerous. The team also had to suck water out so they can go down.

“Naa man gud didto suspected nga substance nga flammable. Ang duha ka victims nagdala og martilyo ug lansang possibly nagspark ang materials nga gigamit while naa sila sa baba,” Resueño said.

The local government said that until the incident happened, it was not aware of the excavation in the property, which is owned by a corporation. The excavation of the tunnel is not covered by a permit, according to the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR).

Authorities are already investigating the incident while the local government extended assistance to the victims’ families.