Metro Manila (CNN Philippines, October 5) — The remains of a machine operator has been recovered three days after the mudslide at the Semirara Mining and Power Corporation’s facility in Antique province.
This was confirmed on Saturday by the Department of Energy, which is investigating the October 2 incident. It said the body of Pepito Andapat, operator of the heavy machinery called PS27 at the mining site, was found Friday.
“The DOE is still in the process of thoroughly evaluating all available information on the incident, and will keep the public informed of subsequent developments on the matter,” it said in a statement.
The Semirara has assured the government of its full cooperation in the probe.
In an initial report sent to the DOE, the company said regular mining operations were ongoing when an “irregularity” was detected at 1 a.m. on Wednesday.
“The mudslide occured five minutes thereafter, at 1:05 AM, hitting the PS27 equipment and its operator,” the DOE said, citing Semirara’s report.
Energy Secretary Alfonso Cusi earlier expressed sympathy to those affected by the incident and assured them of a thorough investigation.
