Two miners were found alive Monday by rescuers a week after being trapped in a mining tunnel in Itogon, Benguet.

The rescuers found the survivors around 3 p.m. Monday at the mine’s level 700 -- the deepest part of the tunnel.

Jose Panio Jr. and Antonio Pagulayan, both from Ifugao, survived for seven days, sustained only by water inside the tunnel.

Media were not allowed to interview the survivors. But based on interviews with their relatives, Panio and Pagulayan recounted hearing faint cries from fellow miners still trapped in the tunnel.

With the positive development, rescue teams hope to find the remaining 12 miners alive.

Meanwhile, after undergoing first aid, Panio and Pagulayan were rushed to the Baguio General Hospital for treatment. With reports from ABS-CBN Baguio