Calimlim ready for treasure hunt inquiry

Lt. Gen. Jose Calimlim, the military's intelligence chief, said yesterday he is willing to be investigated by the Senate regarding his alleged participation in the treasure hunt in Norzagaray, Bulacan.

"That's their prerogative. Pero wala tayong ginagawang illegal (But we're not doing anything illegal)," said Calimlim, who also heads the anti-smuggling Task Force Aduana.

Calimlim earlier had admitted issuing at least 12 treasure hunting permits, among them, to American and Japanese groups, in his capacity as chief of the Presidential Security Group (PSG) since the administration of former President Fidel Ramos until last month when he was replaced by Col. Rodulfo Diaz.

"(The issuance of treasure hunting permits) is a duty of the PSG even during the time of President Marcos," said Calimlim, who is also the Armed Forces' deputy chief of staff.

Senate President Blas Ople called for a Senate inquiry into the role of Calimlim in the treasure hunts.

"What has treasure hunting got to do with intelligence work? I am sure that Gen. Calimlim has a good explanation for this," said Ople.

Among the 12 permits issued to treasure hunters, Calimlim said, was the one given to retired Col. Ciriaco Reyes for diggings in the property of businessman Dante Legaspi in Barangay Bigte, Norzagaray, Bulacan.

Legaspi and lawyer Paul Gutierrez, represented by Homobono Adaza, have filed a P380,000 damage suit against Calimlim and Reyes.