Shipwreck looted in Zambales

STA. CRUZ, Zambales – Hundreds of pieces of artifacts believed to have come from a Chinese trading vessel that sank in the South China Sea more than 500 years ago have recently surfaced in some antique stores.

And experts believe there is only one reason for their sudden, mysterious appearance – looters.

The National Museum has been informed that the site of the wreckage of a Chinese vessel off the coast of Isla Hermana Menor near this town was being invaded by deep sea divers wanting to make a fast buck.

The sunken ship contains priceless jars and blue and white dishes from a forgotten dynasty.

National Museum officials said concerned residents have reported intensive diving activities at the wrecksite, especially at night.

"We also received reports that some local Coast Guard people may be involved in these illegal activities," the officials said.

Local Coast Guard commander Pedro Gonzales, however, denied that his men were among those looting the ancient vessel. He said his men only visit the site to secure it from thieves, and that the artifacts in their possession had been confiscated from looters.

He added that his men have gone diving to the site to document it with grid maps and photographs and not to loot.

"We’re actually turning over these (artifacts) to the National Museum," he said. "Some local fishermen and organized dive teams were the ones looting the site."

In order to protect the Chinese vessel from looters, Mayor Luisito Marty of this town has asked the help of Superintendent Artemio Gabriel, the local police chief. He has also embarked on an education campaign to teach local residents the importance of the artifacts to the country’s cultural heritage.

Local police have agreed to ban all diving activities at the site, except by divers authorized by the National Museum.

Cecilio Salcedo, the acting executive director of the museum, said all artifacts from the wreckage are considered national treasures and, therefore, not for sale. He advised those who have bought some of the artifacts to return them to the museum or they may be held criminally liable for buying stolen treasures.

Marty, for his part, is now working with the National Museum to make his town a tourist attraction. The museum is conducting a scientific study on the wreckage and is planning to set up a display house for whatever they will recover from the sunken vessel.