10 nabbed for excavation at Bulacan shrine

CAMP OLIVAS, Pampanga, Philippines — Ten suspected treasure hunters have been arrested for digging a tunnel under a historical shrine in Pandi, Bulacan.

The suspects were allegedly caught digging under the Inang Filipina Shrine in Barangay Real de Cacarong on Tuesday night, according to Brig. Gen. Redrico Maranan, Central Luzon police director.

Barangay chairman Alejandro Angeles sought the help of the police after receiving reports that several men were digging at the shrine.

Police said the suspects failed to show any permit or document allowing the excavation. They recovered from the suspects shovels, crowbars, bolos, flashlights, a mining detector and a van.

Charges of violation of Republic Act 7942, the Philippine Mining Act of 1975, were filed against the suspects.