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Illegal treasure hunting probed in South Cotabato protected mountain

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Amiel M. Cagayan

Illegal treasure hunting probed in South Cotabato protected mountain — Environment personnel inspect and measure an excavated area in Purok Macarandan, Barangay Palkan in Polomolok, South Cotabato, as part of an investigation into suspected illegal treasure hunting inside the Mt. Matutum Protected Landscape. Photo courtesy of MENRO Polomolok

KORONADAL CITY, South Cotabato — Environment and police authorities are investigating suspected illegal treasure hunting inside the protected Mt. Matutum, South Cotabato’s landmark peak, following excavations in Polomolok town.

Engr. Agustin Valencia Jr., Polomolok Municipal Environment and Natural Resources Office (MENRO) chief, said Wednesday that they first inspected the site in Purok Macarandan, Barangay Palkan, on Aug. 20, after a report of suspected treasure-hunting activities there.The operation was conducted with the Polomolok Municipal Police Station, Barangay Palkan peacekeepers, and forest guards. The area is within the Mt. Matutum Protected Landscape (MMPL).

READ: Legarda files bill to ban treasure hunting, protect cultural heritageDuring the inspection, authorities found diggings that could be linked to treasure hunting.Authorities documented the site, including the excavated areas and condition of the surrounding land, as part of the investigation.Valencia said that authorities returned to the area on Aug. 25 for a second inspection to determine whether there had been further digging or other changes since the initial visit.MENRO-FPWE conducted a follow-up probe with the Polomolok Bureau of Fire Protection Search and Rescue Force, a representative from the Department of Environment and Natural Resources’ Protected Area Management Office-MMPL, and forest guards from Barangay Palkan.The team measured the width and depth of the excavated area and documented its condition for comparison with findings from the first inspection.The information gathered will be used for assessment and investigation to determine possible further action.Under Republic Act 11038, or the Expanded National Integrated Protected Areas System Act of 2018, certain activities, including mineral exploration or extraction and searching for hidden treasure, are prohibited in protected areas.

READ: Concrete under uprooted tree triggers treasure hunt in Cotabato townRepublic Act 7942, or the Philippine Mining Act of 1995, may also apply if the activity involves mineral extraction or prospecting.Authorities reminded the public that treasure hunting inside the MMPL without the required notice, permission and coordination with concerned agencies is prohibited and may result in charges under existing laws./coa

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