3 ‘TREASURE HUNTERS’ FOUND DEAD IN A 70-FOOT TUNNEL IN AGUSAN DEL SUR

LORETO, AGUSAN DEL SUR – Police found 3 dead bodies trapped in a 70-foot tunnel they dug in Purok 5, Barangay Santa Teresa, Loreto, Agusan del Sur on March 6, Friday.

The victims identified as Dennis Distor Pegaredo (26 yrs. old), and 2 other minors who were Pegaredo’s relatives were all residents of the said barangay.

Based on the investigation, Pegaredo shouted for help after he smelled a strange odor when his 18-year-old nephew, Kenneth Kier Daquis Mayuga, went down to aide him, but both were not able to come out.

After knowing this, Kenneth’s 15-year-old brother, Jasper Daquis Mayuga, went down to rescue them but was also trapped inside.

Authorities believe the victims drowned in the water inside the tunnel.

According to PMAJ. Rennel Serrano, a spokesperson in Police Regional Office (PRO) 13, the 3 men conducted an illegal treasure hunting activity not wearing any safety gear.

Meanwhile, the family of the victims has already claimed the recovered bodies.