MALITBOG, Bukidnon – Two men engaged in illegal treasure hunting were killed after being buried in a landslide in the upland portion of Sitio Sawike, Barangay Patpat, Malitbog, Bukidnon, on the afternoon of August 25, 2025.
Authorities identified the fatalities as alias Ben, 53, and alias Antonio, 41, both farmers. A companion, alias Allan, 49, managed to escape and survived the incident.
Initial investigation showed that at around 3:30 p.m., the three men climbed the mountain to conduct a treasure-hunting activity when the soil suddenly gave way, burying Ben and Antonio. Allan was able to seek help, prompting the response of the Malitbog Quick Response Team, Municipal Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office (MDRRMO), and Bureau of Fire Protection (BFP).
Rescuers retrieved Ben’s body shortly after, while Antonio was recovered lifeless at around 5:40 p.m. The victims’ remains were brought to Ranas Funeral Services in Barangay Patpat for proper disposition.
Treasure hunting is considered an illegal and dangerous activity, yet many locals continue to risk their lives in search of supposed hidden wealth, often driven by poverty and the hope of escaping financial hardship. Authorities have repeatedly warned against such practices, stressing not only their legal implications but also the fatal risks involved, especially in unstable and landslide-prone areas.
The incident has once again highlighted how economic desperation pushes some residents to gamble with unsafe ventures in the hope of striking fortune, only to end in tragedy.