POLOMOLOK, South Cotabato — A backhoe operator died after being buried alive in a soil collapse while allegedly engaged in illegal treasure hunting in Barangay Magsaysay, Polomolok on Tuesday, April 7, authorities confirmed.
The victim was identified by the Municipal Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office (MDRRMO) as Arnel Maybanting, an adult resident also known by the alias “Boboy.”
Initial reports said the incident occurred at around 9:00 a.m. within an excavation site located in the boundary area of Barangay Magsaysay and Barangay Silway 8, particularly in a portion of a farm property identified as Sabano Farm. The victim was operating a backhoe used in digging a deep pit, reportedly for treasure hunting activities believed to be illegal.
A farm caretaker, identified as Roel Grande, reported hearing a loud rumbling sound coming from the excavation site. Upon inspection, he discovered that a significant soil erosion had occurred, causing the pit to collapse and bury the operator under a thick layer of earth along with the heavy equipment.
Emergency responders from the Philippine National Police (PNP), MDRRMO, and the Bureau of Fire Protection (BFP) in Polomolok were immediately deployed to the area. The Special Rescue Force (SRF) of the Polomolok Fire Station led the retrieval operation.
According to SFO1 Winny T. Fundar Jr., Chief of the Rescue Unit of BFP Polomolok, the operation proved to be highly challenging due to the volume of soil and the depth of the excavation site.
Rescuers worked for several hours before successfully extricating the victim at around 2:30 p.m. However, Maybanting was declared dead on arrival by the attending physician at Polomolok General Hospital.
Authorities confirmed that the victim had been buried under the collapsed soil inside the pit he was excavating. Investigations further revealed that the digging operation was allegedly part of an unauthorized treasure hunting activity in the area.
The MDRRMO and BFP reiterated that such activities pose serious risks, especially when conducted without proper permits and safety measures.
Meanwhile, authorities are calling on the victim’s family to coordinate with their offices for additional information and necessary arrangements.
An investigation is ongoing to determine the full circumstances surrounding the incident, including possible violations related to illegal excavation and treasure hunting.