SANTIAGO CITY-The number of fatalities in the incident involving trapped miners in the illegal 700-meter deep mining tunnel in Sitio Capitol, Barangay Runruno, Quezon, Nueva Vizcaya has risen to five after the second rescuer passed away early this morning, July 4.
The one who died was the 38-year-old rescuer Johnny Ayudan. He was the younger brother of one of the first miners to die, Lipihon Ayudan. Lipihon was the first to get trapped in a 700-meter-deep hole being mined by the victims, and Johnny helped to rescue his brother along with two others, but he lost consciousness while under the hole.
One of his fellow rescuers was declared dead when they were recovered on June 26. Johnny was still alive when he was rescued, but his body was weak after fainting due to lack of air. The rescuer was immediately rushed to the hospital and remained there until he passed away early this morning while still confined in the hospital.
The deceased rescuer will reportedly be brought back to their place in Communal, Solano. All the deceased miners have also been buried. The local government of Barangay Runruno and the municipality of Quezon had already provided financial assistance to the rescuers and the families of the deceased miners.
The local government also recognized the bravery and heroism of the local miners who helped rescue the miners. The local government also recognized the bravery and heroism of the local miners who helped rescue the miners. #
