Illegal treasure hunting remains one of the most common threats to the country’s cultural heritage, prompting the National Commission for Culture and the Arts (NCCA) to strengthen its efforts against unauthorized excavations and the illegal trade of cultural artifacts.

According to NCCA Cultural Properties and Regulation Division Chief Joseph Patrick Lee, reports of illegal treasure hunting activities continue to surface from various regions, with many cases involving excavations conducted without the necessary permits and attempts to export cultural properties illegally.

Lee said the fight against illegal treasure hunters is very challenging and requires close coordination with law enforcement agencies.

“The way to combat them, very challenging nga, like I said. With the help of our government agencies—yung mga PNP, Presidential Anti-Organized Crime Commission, Interpol, NBI—lahat ‘yan, kasi nakabuo na kami ng technical working group sa pag-implement ng law,” he shared.

He also explained that while not all offenders are eventually prosecuted, these operations help raise public awareness and that violations carry corresponding penalties and sanctions once offenders are caught and proven guilty.

“Kung hindi man talaga sila nasasampahan ng kaso in the end, but at least the community gets to know and realize na there are agencies like the NCCA that are mandated to implement the law. Kailangang aware sila na may mga ganoon, may mga penalties, sanctions, and violations once sila ay mahuli at mapatunayan na may mga ganitong illegal acts,” he said.

To help protect the nation’s heritage, Lee urged the public to immediately report any accidental discoveries of cultural properties to the NCCA, emphasizing that community awareness and cooperation are crucial in preventing the loss of valuable historical and cultural treasures.