Alubijid, Misamis Oriental — Tragedy struck early Tuesday morning as three poultry farm workers — including a minor — died after reportedly suffocating inside a septic tank at a farm in Purok 3, Barangay Sampatulog.
The victims were identified as Bobby Payagon, 27, farm manager and resident of Bukidnon; Nilo Buntag, 43, poultry worker; and his 16-year-old son known as “Gian”, both residents of the barangay.
According to an initial police report from PCPT Fernam D. Bangot, Officer-in-Charge of Alubijid Municipal Police Station, the incident happened around 7:00 AM at Buen Poultry Farm.
Payagon was reportedly overseeing cleaning operations when his plier tool accidentally fell into the septic tank used to contain chicken waste. He went down to retrieve it while waiting for the water level to recede — but upon entering the confined space, he collapsed due to suspected toxic fumes or lack of oxygen.
Seeing their colleague unconscious and submerged in sludge, Buntag immediately descended to rescue him — but he, too, was overcome by the dangerous gases inside the tank.
In a desperate attempt to save his father, the minor jumped into the septic tank, but also lost consciousness moments later.
Other workers on site, led by Joel Aurena Carbajal, broke through the concrete side of the septic tank to pull the victims out and rushed them to Alubijid-OWWA Hospital. However, all three were declared dead on arrival by attending medical personnel.
Authorities estimate the septic tank to be around 8-feet deep and had recently been treated with formalin, heightening the presence of hazardous toxic gases. Investigators believe the victims suffered sudden suffocation and poisoning, causing rapid loss of consciousness.
Police and local authorities are continuing their investigation to determine liability and assess safety protocols at the facility.
This tragedy serves as a stark reminder of the extreme danger from confined spaces like septic tanks and the urgent need for proper safety equipment, ventilation, and rescue protocols to prevent further loss of life.