A backhoe operator died after he was trapped and buried in a landslide at a farm in Barangay Silway 8, Polomolok, South Cotabato on Tuesday, April 7, 2026.

Rescuers used ropes to retrieve the victim’s body from an approximately 50-foot-deep pit at 2:30 p.m. The victim had reportedly been trapped since around 9 a.m. while digging in the area.

According to the Bureau of Fire Protection (BFP), the victim was already lifeless when found. He was still rushed to the hospital but was declared dead on arrival.

Based on investigation, a 45-year-old farm caretaker heard a loud noise coming from the excavation site earlier that day. Upon checking, the victim was already buried under the soil.

BFP said that loose soil and the weight of a tree nearby may have triggered the landslide.

“Mura siya’g tunnel pero open sa taas. So, nag-start ni sila og kabkab gikan sa taas paingon sa ilalom nga ni-create og murag bangin ba. Tungod sa kahumok sa yuta, unya, pagkita namo nganong natabunan gyud siya, naa’y punuan sa Madre de Cacao didto nga medyo dako, mao tong ni-trigger nga ni-landslide ang yuta paingon sa iyaha,” BFP Polomolok Rescue Unit Chief, SFO1 Winny Fundar, Jr., said.

Rescuers also experienced difficulty in retrieving the body due to dust-filled surroundings and limited access to the area.

Authorities are investigating whether the excavation was intended for mining or treasure hunting.

The BFP reminded the public to secure proper permits before conducting excavation activities and to prioritize safety.

“Paalala lang kapag meron tayong ginagawa lalo na sa paghuhukay, pwede tayo kumuha ng kaukulang permit na nagpapatunay, nagpapaalam na may ginagawa kayo diyang excavation, at the same time, kailangan yung mga tauhan natin na i-consider ang safety first,” Fundar added.