Yamashita treasures in Arakan? Mayor orders diggers to back off

KIDAPAWAN CITY - There could be treasures buried in Arakan, North Cotabato that even a former town official of nearby townallegedly led the digging and treasure hunting, the town mayor learned Tuesday.With that, Mayor Rene Rubino has ordered a total stop of mining activities and ordered an investigation.Rubino told DXND Radyo Bida that treasure hunting was reported in Barangay Doruluman, led by 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 town but diggers could not present excavation permit for the town hall.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 ofCotabato Foundation College of Science and Technology (CFCST).Leoncito said the treasure hunters could not provide permits issued by the local government unit.Rubino said an ordinance, Municipal Ordinance 341 which declares the entire town as mining free or no mining zone is still in effect which he used as basis for ordering the cease order.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.