MALAYBALAY CITY, Bukidnon – What began as a routine afternoon adventure ended in heartbreak for three male farmers in the rugged mountains of Sitio Sawike, Barangay Patpat, Malitbog, on August 25, 2025

The men, known locally as treasure hunters, were caught in a sudden and devastating landslide that buried parts of the steep hillside.

Responders from the Malitbog Quick Response Team, alongside the police, Municipal Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office (MDRRMO), and Bureau of Fire Protection (BFP)-Malitbog, rushed to the scene, racing against time to locate and rescue the victims.

Among the three, a 39-year-old man was pulled from the debris alive, battered but breathing, and was immediately given medical attention. The joy of his rescue, however, was overshadowed by tragedy. The 53-year-old male victim was recovered shortly after, but doctors at Bukidnon Provincial Hospital (BPH)-Malitbog confirmed that he had already passed away before reaching the facility. Minutes later, the 41-year-old third victim was also retrieved, similarly declared dead on arrival.

The community mourns as the two deceased victims’ bodies were transported to Ranas Funeral Services in Barangay Patpat, Malitbog. Friends and neighbors have expressed deep sorrow over the sudden loss of lives in what is often seen as a risky pursuit for hidden treasures.

Highlighting the hazards of the area, Police Colonel Jovit L. Culaway, provincial director of the Bukidnon Police Provincial Office (BPPO), issued a grave reminder to the public: steep slopes, unstable hillsides, and landslide-prone zones pose deadly risks, especially during or after heavy rains. He urged residents to prioritize safety over adventure, cautioning that no treasure is worth a life.

This tragic event serves as a poignant reminder of nature’s unpredictability and the dangers faced by those who venture into remote mountainous areas in search of fortune. While treasure hunting may be a long-standing local pursuit, the mountains of Malitbog have left an indelible mark of caution and sorrow. (melbmadera)