ZAMBOANGA DEL NORTE - Five quarry workers died while another one went missing after they were carried away by a flash flood in Barangay Singaran in La Libertad town, Zamboanga del Norte province on Monday.

The victims were identified as Federico Calunsag, Jun Obordo, Ihid Pioco, Lilia Ellobido, Ruth Pactorayan and Joana Tose.

Investigation showed the victims were quarrying in the river before the flash flood hit.

The area has been experiencing heavy rains but before the incident, a heavy downpour was also experienced in a nearby upland area.

"The victims were quarrying and it was too late for them to notice the approaching water," said SPO2 Reczim Daquipil of the La Libertad Police Station.

The quarry owner promised to shoulder all the expenses and help the victims’ families.

The bodies of the five victims were retrieved while search operations continue for the remaining one.