3 Pinoy plumbers die inside septic tank in Saipan

Three Filipino workers died in Saipan after inhaling toxic fumes while working in a septic tank earlier this month,  according to a report by GMA News' Davao stringer Argil Relator on Balita Pilipinas Thursday.

Two of the three were identified as Amid Tapon, 41, and Ricky Quijano, 47, both from Davao City. The report said the victims were employed as plumbers for USA Fanter.

Citing information from Saipan's Department of Fire and Emergency Medical Services, the report said the incident happened on July 7 when Quijano lost consciousness while fixing the sewer system of a 24-foot-deep septic tank.

The report said Tapon and the other victim tried to save Quijano, but they themselves fell unconscious after inhaling the fumes.

The three were brought to a nearby hospital but were declared dead on arrival.

Quijano left behind a wife and six children, the report said.

"Maging maayos ang bahay namin, 'yan talaga ang pangarap niya kaya siya lumabas ng bansa... ang mga bata makatikim man lang ng kaginhawaan," said Quijano's widow in the report.

The report said both Quijano and Tapon were supposed to return home in December.

Meanwhile, the victims' employers shouldered their burial expenses. The victims will also receive assistance from the Overseas Workers Welfare Administration in the form of death benefits and education assistance for their children. —KBK/KVD, GMA News