Norcot town mayor orders stop to Yamashita treasure hunting

PNA

COTABATO City– Concerned about the safety of his people and in protecting the environment, a town mayor in North Cotabato has issued a cease and desist order Wednesday to several individuals conducting “Yamashita” treasure hunting in the town.

There could be treasures buried in the town of Arakan, North Cotabato that even a former town official of nearby town allegedly led the digging and treasure hunting, Mayor Rene Rubino of Arakan said.

But whether there were treasures hidden in the town center during the World War II or not, Rubino said mining and treasure hunting activities are prohibited by Municipal Ordinance 341.

The ordinance, which Rubino used as basis for issuing the cease and desist order and possible filing of charges against the suspects, put the entire town “mining free and no mining zone.”

Rubino said treasure hunting was first reported in Barangay Doruluman, allegedly led by a certain former President Roxas town Councilor Gadong. A 40-feet deep excavation was found in the village.

Inspector Sonny Leoncito, Arakan town police chief, also confirmed the excavation in at least two areas in the town but diggers could not present excavation permit for the town hall.

The diggings are one in Barangay Doruluman center and the other beside a river in private lot owned by a certain Mrs. Saligan.

The lot, now surrounded and covered by tarpaulin to hide from public view, was located beside the river at the back of Cotabato Foundation College of Science and Technology (CFCST).

Leoncito said the treasure hunters could not provide any permit or authorization issued by the local government unit.

Charges are being prepared against the diggers, Rubino said.

Residents have aired safety concerns since the diggings could trigger landslides and collapse of nearby areas, especially during heavy down pour. pna