The History of The Treasure Hunters Association of the Philippines, Inc.

The History of the Treasure Hunters Association of the Philippines, Inc.

There was treasure hunting groups with adequate resources to plan and carry out their endeavors. But most of their operations were done in utmost secrecy, making their respective successes or failure unheard of. And unknown to many, there were those isolated and fortunate diggers, chiefly in remote places who, with meager funds were sucessful in their ventures. At the same time they were not shy to announce it.

After the surrender of the remaining members of the Japanese forces in the highlands of Sierra Madre and Cordilleras, Gen. Tomoyuki Yamashita eventually gave himself up to the Americans in November 1945. At that time, there were widespread rumors that a colossal bulk of war booty or captured treasures, mostly of gold bullion, silver, platinum bars, tons of diamond jewelries and Budhas made of pure gold were transported to the Philippines from the neighboring Asian countries and from Europe by order of the Imperial Prince Chichibu.
These war treasures were ulltered to be secretly stashed in obscure places like caves and tunnels that were mostly located in remote and secluded places in highlands. After the spectacular news about the treasures were printed in the newspapers in early 1946, countless groups were inflamed by the glitter of gold; they took interest and launched their own private digging ventures.

So many were these treasure hunting-groups but there was no evidence of legitimate organization from the post-war years up to the early 60s.

It was during those years that the name of Rogelio (ROGER) Roxas significantly surfaced. In 1969, Roger was the operating locksmith shop in Baguio City and it was during those times that he had his first confirmed crack at the fabled Japanese gold buried in the vicinities of Baguio, Bontoc, Benguet and other areas in the Mountain province.
Roger got his information from native Igorots about the buried treasures who offered him to sell him gold bullion.

However Roger noticed how disorganized these highland diggers were. So it was in 1970 that he made his first attempt to organize and unite a legitimate treasure hunting group. In the process he was fortunate to win confidence of certain Olympio Magbanua, Rudy Benito and Ricardo Escamos. Magbanua is a first-rate mining technician whose service were badly needed by Roger's group. A big help to the group was Al Umali, a impassioned organization man who acted as the group secretary and consultant. Though the assistance of Al Umali, Roger took the reins of leadership among the native groups of gold diggers. However Roger concentrated first to strengthen and build up the resources of his organization before deciding to register the group with the government.

Tauntingly, in November 11, 1970, through the help of Dr. Albert Umali, he made connection with the treasure hunters of America in Oscoda, Michigan through President, Gene Balinger. Mr. Balinger heard about the activities of Roger and his group and had therefore offered that Roger affliliate his group with the American Treasure Hunters Association, Roger and Umali gladly accepted the offer.
At this juncture, the name of Judge Pio Marcos uncle of the late President Ferdinand Marcos entered the scene. Judge Pio Marcos had been interested to join the group to have their organization registered under the name of Treasure Hunters Association of the Philippines known as "HUNTERS", with domestic trade and Commerce with Judge Pio Marcos being named as one of the founders.
Incidentally the group learned that there was already an existing treasure-hunting group named Maharlika Treasure Hunters Association, known as "RANGER",that was registered sometimes in 1969 with Ferdinand Marcos as its leader and founder. This did not surprise Roger and Al Umali for they had known about the activities of the Maharlika group since the early 60s.
The treasure-hunting operation of the Maharlika group shifted gear when its founder and leader Ferdinand Marcos became president of the Philippines.

The Implementation of Martial Law in 1972 was adverse and disastrous to THAPI's operations as it had virtually diminished to a few its silent and secret excavations. THAPI, being the rival group of President Marcos' treasure hunters decided to town down its activities.
THAPI's activities were almost halted when Roxas and Umali were detained or incarcerated right after the Golden Buddha and tons of gold were confiscated.
Thus THAPI unscrupulously lost its cloud of legitimacy. It was at this point that ROGER, as President of THAPI, lost heart in resuming the groups operations, even after the EDSA Revolution. However, Dr. Albert Umali picked up the cudgels and continued the struggle and fight.
The brighy day of November 24, 1988 ,marked the rebirth of THAPI. It was the day when Roger Roxas was finally prodded and convinced by Al Umali and some prominent members of the group to revive and re-register the organization. THAPI was indeed registered but this time with the Security and Exchange Commission (SEC). Dark days followed when Roxas died in 1993, Dr. Albert Umali had to pursue the operations.

THE END.