5 die, 4 missing in collapse of coal pit wall in Philippines

ZAMBOANGA CITY, Philippines – Five people were confirmed dead while another five remain missing after a coal mine collapsed Friday in the central Philippines.

The Antique governor said the national government has jurisdiction over mining operations on Semirara.

Some of the fatalities were identified as Ricardo Panes, Arnold Umac and a certain Nodo, all heavy equipment operators.

Rosario Cabrera, director of the Regional Office of Civil Defence, said a portion of the mining site collapsed following a landslide.

Eight other workers survived the landslide but were injured, she said.

Heavy equipment including three bulldozers, one giant backhoe and dump trucks were buried in Friday’s incident.

Antique provincial Gov. Rhodora Cadiao said the chances of rescuing the missing were dim because they were buried alive by mud and water at the open Panian pit on Semirara Island.

There’s no report of survivors yet but it is estimated that around 50 people are working in the coal mine for the night shift.

In a statement, Semirara said it condoles with and is giving families of the victims full support.

According to the Philippines Department of Energy, following the collapse of the mine owned by Semirara Mining, search-and-rescue operations are going on to find the missing people.

Semirara, a unit of Philippine conglomerate DMCI Holdings Inc, is the country’s largest coal miner.

The company is still investigating the cause of the incident and coordinating with authorities, the statement added.