By I. Inojales | 04:02 PM May 09, 2026
TAGBILARAN CITY — Two suspected treasure hunters were found dead inside a cave in Barangay Poblacion, Dagohoy, while another companion remains missing, authorities said Friday.
The fatalities were identified only through their aliases “Mar” and “Raymundo,” 35, both residents of Ubay. A third companion, identified as “Gaudioso,” 54, has yet to be located.
Police said the three men entered the cave on Thursday for an alleged treasure hunting activity but failed to return to their temporary residence that night. Concerned relatives later searched the area and discovered “Mar” unconscious inside the cave.
The incident was immediately reported to authorities, prompting rescue and retrieval operations by the Dagohoy Police Station and local responders.
The body of “Mar” was recovered at around 5 a.m. Friday, while rescuers retrieved the body of “Raymundo” at around 2 p.m. the same day.
Police Master Sergeant Gilrey Calvario, investigator of the Dagohoy Police Station, said authorities continue to search for the missing man.
Responders are expected to use a camera device during the operation after learning that the group had dug a hole estimated at around 100 meters deep inside the cave.
Investigators said the victims believed treasure was hidden inside the cave and had been digging in the area.
Authorities recovered butane canisters and a compressor from the site. Initial findings from the physician who examined the victims indicated that toxic gas inhalation may have caused their deaths.
Police also suspect that the compressor may have malfunctioned, leading to suffocation inside the confined space.
