Benguet town regulates treasure hunting in sites

By Susan C. Aro

BAKUN, Benguet -- Officials of this remote town recently approved an ordinance regulating extraction here of hidden treasures with historical, scientific or significant value. 

Authored by Bakun councilor Marshal Tamid-ay,  Ordinance 06-2013 aimed to preserve and enrich culture and enhance ecology, maintain peace and order among others. 

The ordinance covered all hunting, exploration, excavation of hidden treasures and other objects with historical, scientific, cultural or of significant value in the town. 

Hidden treasure as defined in the measure refers to any hidden deposit of money, jewelry or other precious objects, the lawful ownership of which does not appear.

As a mandatory pre-condition, all persons, groups or organizations engaged in exploring and excavating hidden treasures are required to submit written application aside from other supporting documents to the council. 

The council will validate the application, extent, effect and legality of exploration to the environment, the equipment to be used and other relevant terms depending upon the discretion of the council as deemed necessary to protect the interest of the local government, the measure reads. 

Penalty for violation of the ordinance is revocation of permit from the municipal government with a fine of P1,000 or imprisonment of one to two months or both upon the discretion of the court. 

Appropriate fines in relation to indigenous practices may also be imposed in addition to fines and penalties prescribed, the ordinance states. 

The Bakun ordinance was referred to the provincial board committee on legal matters for further study.