Jap, highlanders in ‘treasure hunting’: Tunnel found near banks in La Union business area

By Erwin G. Beleo

SAN FERNANDO CITY, La Union – A tunnel that is suspected to be heading towards the grounds below the Philippine National Bank (PNB) and Rang-ay Bank at the central business district of this city was found by authorities on Tuesday.

Mayor Pablo Ortega and operatives of the city police station here led by Supt. Julius C. Suriben rushed to the area after a certain Raffy Belleza reported the matter to police authorities regarding the excavation.

Ortega said the tunnel is already about five meters deep, some 10 meters away from PNB, and five meters from Rang-ay.

According to Ortega, Belleza informed them that a Japanese national, a Filipina companion, and two Cordilleran-looking men were allegedly involved in the diggings.

However, no one of the suspects was present during the inspection.

Belleza said that a relative, Antonio Belleza, was approached by the Japanese national and his Filipina companion, and told them that there is a buried treasure in the area, just below their apartment.

The Japanese allegedly told the Bellezas that they will be getting a 30-percent share of the treasure if they would agree in the excavation.

“I allowed them to dig near our house because they told me that there is gold below the ground of our apartment,” Antonio said.

Antonio was also convinced with the diggings because one of their elders, who died several years ago, through his alleged spirit, is telling them that there is treasure below their house.

The PNB compound near the Belleza property was the location of the first Municipal Hall of San Fernando built during the Spanish era, but was allegedly bombed during the Japanese occupation.

Raffy apparently reported the diggings because he is concerned about the danger that may happen once the excavation continues.