Kibawe, Bukidnon — A joint law enforcement operation led by the Philippine National Police (PNP), in coordination with the National Commission for Culture and the Arts (NCCA), Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR), and the Presidential Anti-Organized Crime Commission (PAOCC), has successfully shut down an illegal treasure-hunting site in Barangay Old Kibawe, Kibawe, Bukidnon.
The operation was carried out on February 2, 2025, by virtue of a valid search warrant issued by Hon. Giovanni Alfred H. Navarro, Presiding Judge of the Regional Trial Court, 10th Judicial Region, Branch 18 in Cagayan de Oro City.
A composite team from the PNP–Regional Maritime Unit 10, PNP–Regional Mobile Force Battalion 10, and the Kibawe Municipal Police Station, together with personnel from DENR, NCCA, and PAOCC, implemented the warrant and arrested an individual identified as one of the operators of the illegal treasure-hunting site.
Authorities uncovered extensive evidence of deep underground excavation, which had been deliberately concealed through a disguised entry point meant to evade regulatory inspection and local government oversight. Investigators also discovered that the operators had maliciously installed plastic sheeting along a nearby creek to divert the natural flow of water away from the excavation area—an act that authorities said constituted a clear alteration of the natural watercourse and posed serious environmental risks.
Further investigation revealed that the site was operating without the necessary permits and lacked valid documentation required to lawfully conduct any form of mining or treasure-hunting activity.
The arrested suspect was brought to the Kibawe Municipal Police Station for documentation, while authorities prepared the case for inquest proceedings before the Office of the Provincial Prosecutor. Charges are being pursued for violation of Section 48 of Republic Act No. 10066, or the National Cultural Heritage Act of 2009, which penalizes unauthorized digging and treasure-hunting operations within archaeological sites without proper clearance from the NCCA and other competent authorities.
Seized from the site were one jackhammer valued at approximately ₱30,000 and one blower worth around ₱8,000. These items are currently under the custody of the Misamis Oriental Maritime Police Station (MARPSTA) for proper disposition.
The joint operation highlights the government’s intensified crackdown on illegal activities that threaten the country’s environment and cultural heritage.
PAOCC Executive Director Undersecretary Benjamin C. Acorda Jr. stressed that illegal treasure hunting goes beyond criminal violations. “Criminal activities such as illegal treasure hunting violate our laws and also cause irreversible damage to our cultural heritage and environment. The PAOCC will continue to work closely with the PNP, NCCA, and other partner agencies to ensure that our natural resources are protected from exploitation and abuse,” he said.
Authorities warned that similar operations will continue nationwide as part of the government’s effort to safeguard historical sites, preserve ecological balance, and hold violators accountable under the law.