Fatal Gas Poisoning During Treasure Hunt in Negros Oriental

SIATON, Negros Oriental – Two individuals lost their lives and three others were hospitalized following a gas poisoning incident during a treasure hunt in Siaton, Negros Oriental. The tragic event unfolded inside a cave, leading to a police investigation into the illegal activity.

According to Philippines News Agency, the incident occurred on Thursday afternoon in Sitio Binukgayan, Barangay Apoloy, when a group of 15 people attempted to explore a cave approximately 25 kilometers from the national highway. NOPPO spokesperson, Lt. Stephen Polinar, detailed in a statement that the victims were part of an expedition that ventured into the cave in search of treasure. The presence of equipment recovered from the site suggests the group was engaged in an unauthorized treasure hunt.

The investigation revealed that the group had to cross a body of water at the cave’s entrance to proceed further. Five members entered the cave and began siphoning water out using a pump. During the operation, they observed gray smoke emanating from a hole, and the water color turned black, signaling the release of toxic gas.

The incident escalated when ‘Edwin,’ the group’s designated watchman, called for help upon noticing that two of his companions had become unconscious in the cave pool. Emergency services were alerted, and the victims were transported to the Congressman Lamberto Macias District Hospital. However, a 28-year-old man from Barangay Apoloy, Siaton, and a 30-year-old man from Barangay Mag-aso, Dauin town, were pronounced dead before they could receive medical attention.

In response to the tragedy, Lt. Polinar mentioned that local police are in talks with town officials to restrict access to the cave, emphasizing the importance of public safety and preventing similar incidents in the future.