ILOCOS NORTE - Ilocos Norte Governor Imee Marcos expressed her disappointment over the alleged illegal treasure-hunting operation in Barangay Masintoc in Paoay.

In an interview, Marcos said she was annoyed that her name is being implicated in the illegal activity.

"Ang kainis inis ko talaga dahil ginagamit pa 'yun pangalan ko na naghahanap raw ng ginto na kung anu-anong kabalbalan," she said.

Marcos, likewise, said these kinds of activities should be stopped because it will affect the tourism and natural resources of the province.

"Sana maibalik sa datil dahil (Sitio) Culili is a very treasured geographical monument, dapat hindi nila ito ginugulo at tigilan na itong katarantaduhan ng paghahanap ng ginti," she added.

Marcos was also disappointed that the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) office in the province did not file a case against the treasure hunters after their equipment was confiscate.

"Medyo na disappoint rin ako sa DENR dahil ang gusto ko sana ma-inquest na agad," Marcos said.

DENR is conducting a deeper investigation on the incident. The office is also verifying the legitimacy of the Treasure Hunting Permit that was allegedly issued by the National Museum for a certain Asuncion Mariano of Cavite.

• READ: DENR stops 'illegal' treasure hunting in Paoay, Ilocos