Two treasure hunters were found dead inside a cave in Purok 3, Barangay Poblacion, Dagohoy, Bohol. The first victim, identified as Marcelo Augis, alias Mar, was discovered at 9:00 p.m. on Thursday, May 7, 2026. The second victim, Raymundo Balmoria, 35, was found at 2:00 p.m. on Friday, May 8, 2026.
Their companion, Gaudioso Añasco, 54, remains missing. All three are residents of Ubay town.
According to the Dagohoy Municipal Police Station investigation, the three were digging inside the cave for treasure. Police estimate the hole they dug reached a depth of about 100 meters after more than a week of excavation.
The victims were reported missing by a relative after they failed to return home. The Dagohoy police coordinated with the Bureau of Fire Protection, the Dagohoy Emergency Rescue Team, and Tarsier 117 of Tagbilaran City for search and rescue operations.
The rescue team entered the cave and first found Marcelo dead. Due to the depth of the hole and difficulties faced by rescuers, the search was temporarily halted. At around 2:00 p.m. on Friday, they reached Raymundo, who was also dead.
Police Master Sergeant Gilrey Calvario, investigator of the Dagohoy Municipal Police Station, believes the victims suffocated inside the cave. Both victims had blood coming from their noses when their bodies were recovered. Investigators found butane canisters inside the cave as well as a machine used as an air source.
