KALIBO, Aklan – Four men fell into a 40-feet deep pit in a secluded area in Sitio Proper, Barangay Lawaan, New Washington, Aklan. They all died of drowning.
Herminio Bantang of Barangay Bubog, Numancia, Aklan and Barangay Lawaan residents Jodel Felizardo, 47, his brother Rene, 42, and their cousin Darwin Cuesta, 47, were installing a submersible pump to remove excess water from the pit on April 25.
The 64-year-old witness Desiderio Nabayra of Barangay Dapdap, Tangalan, Aklan said Bantang was the first one who accidentally fell into the pit.
“Napansin ni Herminio na bumaba ang tubig kaya nanaog siya sa butas. Itong si Desiderio nakita niya tumataas ang tubig sa butas. Sumenyas siya kay Herminio na umakyat na sa metal na tubo, parang ladder. Ngunit nadulas itong si Herminio at bumulusok paibaba,” said Staff Sergeant Rolan De Mateo of the New Washington police station.
Rene then tried to rescue Bantang by going down the pit, but he also got trapped. The pit measures only 3 feet in width.
“Alam nila na marunong lumangoy si Herminio kaso hindi nag-surface ang biktima. Binatak ni Rene si Herminio at nagsabing hagisan siya ng lubid. Ngunit nadulas din si Rene at nahulog kasama si Herminio pailalim,” De Mateo said.
Jodel and Cuesta then tried to help Bantang and Rene. But they also fell into the water and drowned.
Responders from the provincial and municipal disaster risk reduction and management offices and the Bureau of Fire Protection went to the area around 9:40 a.m.
They were able to retrieve Cuesta’s body at 12:15 p.m., followed by Jodel’s and Bantang’s. Rene’s body was last to be fished out at around 4:30 p.m.
The retrieval operation lasted for about seven hours.
The victims were all declared “dead on arrival” at the Aklan Provincial Hospital in Kalibo.
According to the police, the pit has been used illegally for treasure hunting and digging out minerals. It lacks proper permits and has been in the area for already two years.
Investigation was ongoing. (With a report from Akean Forum/PN)
