DSWD Provides Financial Aid to Mining Accident Families
BAYOMBONG, Nueva Vizcaya — The Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) promptly extended financial aid to the families of four individuals who died in a tragic mining accident in Barangay Runruno, Quezon town. Each bereaved family received P70,000, which included P50,000 in cash and an additional P20,000 in assistance.
This financial aid to families of mining accident victims came after a deadly incident that claimed the lives of three small-scale miners and one rescuer. The victims were trapped underground in a mining shaft filled with toxic gas and depleted oxygen.
Victims and Survivor Assistance
The deceased included miners Daniel Segundo, 47; Florencio Indopia, 63; Lapihon Ayudan, 56; and rescuer John Philip Guinihid. Johnny Ayudan, brother of the late Lapihon Ayudan, survived the accident but remains hospitalized. He received P15,000 in aid from the DSWD.
Recognizing Courage in Perilous Rescue Efforts
Local officials also recognized the bravery of 68 miners and rescuers who risked their lives during the hazardous retrieval operations. Each of these rescuers was awarded P3,000 as a token of appreciation for their heroic efforts.
Barangay Runruno village chief John Babli-ing praised the rescuers, stating, “These miners displayed bravery and heroism, risking their lives to rescue their fellow miners who had difficulty breathing due to the toxic conditions inside the hole.”
The Quezon town local government held a simple tribute to honor the rescuers’ courage. Additionally, personnel from mining firms assisted in the search and recovery, highlighting the community’s collective effort in the aftermath of the tragedy.
Recovery and Burial of Victims
All victims were recovered from depths between 300 and 700 meters underground by midnight of June 26. Two of the deceased were laid to rest on June 28, a third on July 2, and the fourth’s remains were transported to their hometown in Barangay Cudog, Lagawe, Ifugao.
The Department of Social Welfare and Development’s aid and the local government’s support aim to ease the burden on families affected by the mining accident, while also honoring the bravery of those involved in rescue operations.
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