SB orders probe of discovered ‘treasure–hunting’ tunnel
TAYUG residents are puzzled about the existence of tunnels discovered by five persons digging in front of the Tayug Bureau of Fire Protection (BFP) building.
The discovery was made on July 3, Friday, mid-afternoon, when Adriano Santiago, Tayug Sangguniang Bayan’s consultant, accosted five men digging in the area, who immediately fled in a white vehicle.
Suspicious of their activities, Santiago peeked into the pit, and discovered what appeared to be a long tunnel that led to two more tunnels.
In her Facebook post, Vice Mayor Lorna Tacdol suspected the digging activity to be another treasure hunting authorized by ‘someone powerful’.
An investigation in aid of legislation was conducted Tuesday afternoon during the town’s Sangguniang Bayan session, to find out who ordered and initiated the excavation, and whether permits were secured.
“The fire station and the adjacent Sangguniang Bayan building’s structural integrity could also be affected due to the excavation”, said Tacdol during the session.
Summoned were Mayor Carlos Trece Mapili, Chief of Police P/Major Arnold Soriano, Municipal Administrator Aurora Mapili, but only DILG municipal LGOO Antonia Mendoza arrived. Municipal Fire Marshal F/Inspector Armand Corpuz submitted a written explanation.
Mayor Carlos Mapili will reportedly issue a statement on the diggings this week.
The SB formed a committee to investigate the excavation, and to determine whether the digging resulted in the recovery of any treasure or ancient relic.
As of writing, the excavation site was covered with galvanized iron sheets and soil.
Yamashita Treasures
Tayug has historically significance because it was Pangasinan’s wartime capital during the Japanese occupation on December 22, 1941.
General Tomoyuki Yamashita stationed his troops in Tayug, as a blocking force against American and guerilla forces, as they retreated to the Mountain Province for their last stand.
It is rumored that General Yamashita brought with him war spoils, which then became known as the ‘Yamashita treasures’ hidden in Northern Luzon.
Treasure hunters, both domestically and internationally, have since been trying their luck in Tayug, excavating rumored spots.
“Malaki ang hinala namin na nandito lang o sa kalapit na bayan yung kayamanan”, said Mang Gener, a Tayug local, who echoed the rumor that the retreating Japanese soldiers did not bring anything valuable with them. (Philstar Wire Services/ECV)
Share your Comments or Reactions
Powered by Facebook Comments
