Hunting the Hidden Vault of Yamashita’s Treasure Part 2

In this episode, we continue our deep dive into the shadowy and tumultuous history surrounding Yamashita's treasure. Journey with us as we uncover the labyrinth of secret tunnels and hidden vaults that crisscross the Philippines, said to contain untold riches looted during World War II. We explore the intricate web of power, secrecy, and betrayal that characterized the Golden Lily operation, orchestrated by Japan's Imperial family.
Discover the complex relationships and unbreakable oaths between war heroes and civilians, and the heavy cost of human greed. As we delve into the struggles faced by treasure hunters and the political intrigue that ensued, we’ll shed light on the hidden agendas that have kept these stories buried for decades.
Join us as we unravel the enigmatic legacy of Yamashita's gold, examining how the quest for wealth and power has left indelible marks on history and humanity. Tune in to reflect on the blurred lines between heroism and villainy, and ponder the profound impact of these hidden stories on our understanding of the past.
As we conclude this episode, remember that history is often written by the victors, leaving many stories untold or shrouded in mystery. The saga of Yamashita's treasure is a poignant reminder of the human cost of war and the lengths people will go for power and wealth. What other secrets lie hidden in the annals of history, waiting to be uncovered?
Thank you for joining us on this journey through the hidden vaults of the past. If you enjoyed this episode, please subscribe, rate, and leave a review on your favorite podcast platform. Share your thoughts with us on social media, and stay tuned for more intriguing tales in the next episode of the LilWeird Podcast.

Disclaimer
The content of this episode includes historical events and personal accounts that are complex and multifaceted. The views and interpretations presented are based on extensive research but may not encompass the entirety of perspectives on the subject. Listener discretion is advised, especially considering the sensitive nature of political and wartime topics discussed.

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Reference:
Gold Warriors: How America Secretly Recovered Yamashita’s Gold By Sterling & Peggy Seagrave


Credits:
Song: Punch Deck - 808 Lotus
License: Creative Commons (CC BY 3.0) 


Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/lilweird-podcast--6099720/support.

Episode Transcript

(00:00):
Welcome back, curious minds to theLittle Red Podcast. In our previous episode,
we began unraveling the enigmatic tale ofYimashita's Treasure, diving into the dark
corridors of history and the hidden boltsof wartime secrets. We introduce you to
Ben Bill Morris, a young Filipinovalley whose life took an extraordinary turn as

(00:20):
it crossed paths with the Japanese sprintsand twining his faith with one of history's
most intriguing legends. The day wepick up where we left off, get
ready to delve deeper into Ben's captivatingstory, uncover the friendships and promises forge
in the crisciple of war, andexplore the relentless quests for hidden gold that

(00:40):
drove men to unimageable legs. Willshed light on the shadowy figures behind these
tales and the impact of their actionsthat resonate through time. So see back,
relax, and join us on thisnext chapter of our journey as we
continue to uncover the hidden boat ofYamashida's Treasure. This is the Billard Volcas
where the strange and the fascinating cometo life. During the war, Ben

(01:06):
Val Morris served as a young Filipinovalley to a remarkable Japanese s prince.
This prince had a crucial role inoverseeing the construction, inventorying, and ceiling
of all Imperial treasure sites in thePhilippines. Despite being highly educated and occasionally
sentimental, the Prince spared Ben's lifein a dramatic moment, leading him out

(01:26):
of Tunnel eight just before it wasplasted with dynamite. Ben's early years were
spent in the steamy lowlands of Pangasinan, where his parents work as laborers.
However, he spent much of hischildhood at his uncle's home in Dulau,
attending school at the local Catholic churchin Bambak. Here he learned to read,

(01:47):
write, and speak some English andtheir father, Disney's guidance. Apart
from school, Ben worked in thepaddis with his uncle, tending to crops
throughout the seasons. Being Ilocano,Ben and his family he spoke the Ilucano
dialect, setting them apart from mostFilipinos who spoke the Gallog. The Ilocanos
had a presence not just in Bambang, but also in places like Baggio and

(02:09):
Manila, where they had their owncommunities and networks. When Ben was turning
seventeen, the Japanese in Vision ofthe Philippines began placing his family directly in
the path of the invading forces.In January nineteen forty three, Ben Balmoris
found himself cutting sugarcane with his familyto make sugar rum and hard candy for

(02:30):
their own use. Assigned together drybamboo for a fire, Ben headed to
a nearby hill where giant bamboo grew. As they worked, Japanese soldiers suddenly
surrounded him, their guns drown andpointed. Frozen with fear, Ben crouched
behind a cartwheel as a soldier demandedto know what he's doing there. Colonel
Adachi, the hamanding officer, interrogatedBen in Tagalog and then in Ilocano,

(02:53):
asking about the road to San AntonioBarrio. Ben, feeling scared and trapped,
pointed in the direction, but refusedto guide them without his father's permission.
The soldiers then insisted on going toBen's father, who reluctantly agreed for
Ben to lead them. During theirjourney, Ben was terrified, convinced he
would meet his end. Yircey streameddown his cheeks, catching Colonel Adachi's attention.

(03:17):
Surprisingly, Kim Sue, a youngman with a shaved head and a
friendly smile, reassured Ben that theymeant him no harm. They altered their
plans, returning to Ben so brieflybefore heading to San Fernando to their main
cap. Along the way, theyencountered a distrusting scene where two soldiers were
attempting to rape a village woman.Kim Sue intervened, swiftly using his Sammarai

(03:42):
sword to stop the assault and orderinghis men to take the offenders into custody.
He showed kuydness to the woman,ensuring her safety and reprimanding his soldiers
severely for their actions. Arriving atthe camp in San Fernando, Kimsuman with
respect from everyone, with Colonel Aduchiaddressing him simply as Kim Su. Ben,
curious about this enigmatic figure, onlyreceived the name Kim Su from the

(04:06):
colonel, leaving Ben puzzled yet intriguedby this mysterious leader Kimsul. The vast
team was killed professionals and soldiers inthe San Fernando camp, overseeing the meticulous
task of hiding war treasures. Beninitially assigned as Kimsu's personal attendant found himself
tending to various aspects of Kimsu's dailylife, from cooking and cleaning to ensuring

(04:28):
his comfort. Despite the challenging circumstances, Kim Su showed kindness and respect towards
Ben, valuing his sincerity and dedicationto his family. Ben observed the harsh
treatment meted out by some Japanese officersand soldiers to Filipinos, especially POW's and
slave laborers. However, Kimsu stoodthe part with his gentle demeanor, avoiding

(04:49):
violence and displaying elegance in his interactions. He often spoke softly, requiring attentive
listening. But there was more toKimsu than met THEI. In private conversations,
he hinted the hidden identity and sharedsnippets of his past we made Ben
intrigue and curious. His is mostdemeanor and careful choice of words hinted at

(05:10):
a deeper story waiting to be unveiled. Who was this enigmatic figure and what
secrets lay beneath his elegant passage.The mystery surrounding Kim Su added an air
of suspense and intrigue to Ben's interactionswith him. Making it to encounter a
captivating journey into the unknown. Butthen Kims later confided in Ben about his
true identity as Prince Tareeda, usingthe whole name Kimsu Morakuzi during the war.

(05:34):
This revelation added an intriguing layer ofsecrecy to their relationship, as Kimsu
entrusted Ben with valuable information and urgedhim to maintain absolute silence on such matters.
Prince Takeda Suniyoshi, also known asLieutenant Colonel Miyata, was a descendant
of Japan's Meiji Emperor and played asignificant role in directing Golden Lilli operations across

(05:57):
Asia during World War Two. Whileofficialists sation in Saigon, he took charge
of Golden Lilli's field operations in thePhilippines, overseeing the construction of large cavern
sites, including one year his campin San Fernando. Prince Dischibu was the
overall commander in Manila, focusing oncrucial treasure sites, but Prince Taghada's responsibilities
extended to coordinating engineers at one hundredand seventy four other treasure locations throughout the

(06:24):
islands. His duties involved traveling extensivelyacross Southeast Asia to manage the transportation of
warloot and making frequent trips back toTokyo. Adjacent to San Fernando Army Comper
Kimsu operated was one of the largesttreasure volt complexes in the Philippines. Kimsue
and his team spent three years expandingthree natural caverns, reinforcing them with steel

(06:46):
and concrete, and connecting them withtunnels. The main boat, known as
Tunnel eight, was massive, comparablein size to a football field. It
linked to two other caverns, Tunnelnine and the Graveyard siteth another nearby army
camp and Bambank Cemetery respectively. Itlinked to two other caverns, Tunnel nine
and the graveyard site we need anotherarmy comp and Bombank Cemetery respectively. These

(07:12):
governs were strategically located and meticulously sealedbefore the war ended. Interestingly, there
was another entrance to Tunnel nine froma separate army come to the north,
unbeknowns to bed as it became GeneralYamshita's headquarters. In the later stages of
the war at San Fernando, theentrance to Tunnel eighth was concealed, resembling
a simple hole in the ground witha basic elevator leading down to the town.

(07:35):
By mid nineteen forty four, theAllies were gearing up for un ambition
of either the Philippines or for Maasaor modern day Taiwan. With a massive
American fleet gathering at Hollandia in NewGuinea, it was clear that Japan would
face a firs battle to maintain control, particularly over Luzon. General Schegen ari

(07:55):
Coorodo Australia office duties in the Philippines, and the renowned General Yamashita Tomayuki was
appointed to defend the northern Philippines atall costs. This defense was crucial to
preventing attacks on strategic locations like Kuamand Okinawa, whose laws would post a
direct threat to the Japanese home islands. Yamashita was a fascinating figure embodying the

(08:18):
complexities of Japan's militaristic culture. Atfirst glance, he appeared to be the
epitome of Prussian militarism, with arobust physiq and a stern and passive demeanor.
However, this sad it was amoderate to oppose the extreme militaristic tendencies
in Japan. In a notable incident, he stopped an assassin who had targeted

(08:39):
a dangerous fanatic within the military hierarchy. Yamashitakin immense popularity in Japan after his
remarkable victory at Singapore early in thewar, which made him a revered figure,
but also drew envy and resentment fromfigures like Prime Minister Tocho. Consequently,
Yamashita was sidelined to Manchuria for asignificant part of the war. However,

(09:00):
mid nineteen forty four, with thechanging political landscape, Yamashita was sent
directly to Luzon, Philippines, inhopes that his strategic prowess could turn the
tide. He arrived in Manila inOctober nineteen forty four, albeit too late
to significantly impact the course of events. During his final tenements in the war,

(09:20):
Emashita, a personal friend of PrinceJijibu from their earlier military service,
together monitored progress that numerous golden lilysites across Luzon, from Bagio in the
west to Apari in the north.These sides were crucial as they housed the
last truckloads of gold bullion and treasuresbeing moved to secure locations in the mountains
north of Manila, where Yamashita plannedto make his stand against advancing Allied forces.

(09:45):
Yamashita faced a challenging situation on Luzonwith over two hundred and seventy five
thousand troops under his command, includinginfantry and armored divisions. However, his
forces were a mixed of recovering soldiers, survivors, and support personnel. Recognizing
the impossibility of defending Manila, hemade a difficult decision to withdraw from the

(10:07):
city and declared it open to avoidits pointest destruction. The control of Manila
was complicated by the Japanese Navy,particularly Rear Admiral Iwabuchi Sanji, who disregarded
Yamashita's orders to withdraw inland. Instead, Iwabuchi chose to wreck Havok in the
city, ignoring the devastation it causedcivilians. He had his own motives,

(10:28):
having been involved in hiding substantial warloton Krihidor and knowing about the treasures hidden
by Prince Chichibu in Manila. AsUS aircraft dominated the sguise escape by sea
was impassable, Iwabuchi, perhaps sensingthe hopelessness of their situation, opted for
a destructive path unleashing his marines ona brutal rampage against civilians amidst the chaos.

(10:52):
Iwabuchi vanish through the tunnel network beneathIntermuros, and his fate remains shrouded
in mystery. Although officially declared dead, rumors suggest that he may have escaped,
leaving out his days under an assumedname in Japan. Meanwhile, Yamashita's
defensive strategy in the mountains north ofManila was centered on a triangular perimeter anchored

(11:13):
at Bagio, Bambang, and Bantok. These strategic points were accessible only through
treacherous routes, allowing his forces toentrench and defend against allied advances. Meanwhile,
Ben's relationship with Prince Takeda or Kimsutook a significant turn as he was
initiated into a blood oath three toll. This re tool involved a symbolic act

(11:33):
of cutting their little fingers and lettingtheir blood unite on a battle flag signifying
their loyalty and secrecy. Then wasbound by three strict rules. Never speak
of Prince Chichibu, never disclosed PrinceTakeda's true identity, and never revealed the
locations of the treasure sides to anyone, including Americans, Filipinos, Kerrillas,

(11:54):
Chinese, or even other Japanese.To ensure Ben's futures security, Kimson revealed
that he had hidden two steel trunksfilled with gold. As a reminder,
two blue DUTs are tattooed on Ben'shand representing each trunk. The following day,
they visited Pinky and Bridge, wheresoldiers had prepared a pit beneath a

(12:15):
massive mango tree using carabao. Largesteel boxes filled with gold bars were lowered
into the pit. When opened,Ben saw chunks of gold cut from seventy
five kilow bars filling the trunks entirely. Speaking in Japanese, Kimso conveyed to
Ben that the gold was a tokenof appreciation for his service, offering him

(12:35):
that's and lots of gold. Thesegestures cemented their bond, and the secrecies
surrounding the hidden treasures came to informBen that they would sprinkled the boxes with
poison and seal them. After thewar. Ben was instructed to return alone
to recover the boxes. He wouldpour kerosene over them and burn off the
poison before opening them to retrieve thegold. Safe. The gold bars were

(12:58):
cut into smaller pieces for easier sellingwithout drawing too much attention. Kimsu encouraged
Ben to use the gold to buya large runch, marry a girl from
the village they admired, and havemany children to help run the ranch,
leaving Ben astonished. While they werefinishing burying the treasure, another Golden Lily

(13:18):
team led by Prince Chichibu arrived atthe Pinkie and Bridge. Chichibu Trust,
similarly to Kimsu, appeared frail andunwel coughing frequently. Despite their higher ranks,
Kimsu and Chichibu showed no emotion orformalities towards each other. In the
ensuing days, there was a rushto bury remaining treasures as the American forces

(13:39):
advanced, and Mashita relocated his headquartersto Bombang, but never visited Kimsu's camp.
Instead, he used a separate entranceto an underground bunker. In panel
nine, the preparations for a lasttime at a Kiaman pocket were also underway,
using slave labor supervised by non combatantperson. By May five night in

(14:00):
forty five, American forces were advancingswiftly into the mountains prompting Yamashida to abandon
Bontok, surrendering two corners of hisdefensive triangle. He group his troops between
Bambang and Bagabag, directing them towardsthe Asin River leading to the Kiyangan Packet.
Despite the rugged terrain, Bagabag wasjust twenty five miles north of Bambang,

(14:22):
with the packet's edge a mere fivemiles west of Bambang. Supplies for
stockpiled there, including Caribo herds andharvested rise from the Kagayan Valley, ensuring
provisions until September. Yamashita hoped thatthe impending rains and typhoons would the tur
American air attacks. Towards the endof May nineteen forty five, came to
embark on a secret journey in northwPen. They met with Prince Mikasa in

(14:46):
Bagabag before heading towards Aparie along theKagayan Valley, and then turning towards a
small bay. There, they boardeda patrol boat and crossed to the north
side of Comikin Isle, where aJapanese submarine awaited. Kimsu negotiate with a
Summarin's captain for rendezvous. The followingweek. While Ben and Prince Mikasa stay
aboard the patrol boat, Ben felt, Kimsu brought him along to ensure his

(15:09):
safety in his absence. By earlyJune, Yamashita's units near Aritao engaged in
battles with US tank battalions, listeningthe retreat into the Kiyangan packet. On
the evening of June one, afarewell gathering was held for the one hundred
and seventy five Golden Lili chief engineersinside the underground conference room of Tunnel eight.

(15:30):
By then, all remaining treasure hadbeen securely hidden in Tunnel eight,
Funnel nine, and the cemetery site. Breaming with gold bars men a company
in kim Su witnessed the engineers indulgingin sake toasting and shouting banzai amid the
festivities. Meanwhile, around two hundredslave laborers were confined in the cemetery side

(15:50):
chamber, guarded by Japanese soldiers withheavy machine guns. Kimsu, the architect
of this underground fortress, spent anhour with the engineers before taking Ben on
a final tour of the complex.They navigated through connecting tunnels, marveling at
the stock, cold bars and othertreasures. Kimsu warned Ben about wires that

(16:10):
could trigger dynamite explosions. Returning tothe farewell party, Kimsu delivered the steering
speech, commending the engineers and expressinggratitude in the Emperor's name, prompting more
enthusiastic bansai shouts. As the clockapproached midnight, generally, Yamashita arrived and
insisted that Kimsu exit the tunnel,while ordering Ben to remain inside. Kimsu

(16:33):
vehemently refuse, citing his oath topersonally escort Ben out. Reluctantly, Yamashita
acquiesced, leading Ben to the surfacewhile Kimsu followed. Yamashita departed without ord,
leaving Kimsu and Ben to hurry away. Suddenly, Ben heard what he
thought was an aerial bomb and instinctivelysought cover as massive explosions reverberated throughout the

(16:56):
ground. The following day, asignificant sinkh will mark the lobes of connecting
panels, hinting at the fate ofthose drop underground. As the ground settled
from the tremors, Ben witnessed Kimsu'stears and realized that Kimsu had followed through
with a devastating act. Because ofa direct order from the Emperor. Many
of Kimsu's staff, including Navy CaptainHonda, were in tomb with the engineers.

(17:21):
Upon reaching Ben's house, Kimsu revealedthat it was time for him and
Colonel Adachi to depart. They intendedto head to coming In Island that night,
where a submarine awaited to transport themback to Japan. They intended to
head to coming In Island that night, where a submarine awaited the transport them
back to Japan. Despite the darkness, Ben could discerned tears in Kimsu's eyes,

(17:41):
prompting his own tears. Kimsu urgedBen to return to his father on
the farm, emphasizing not to jointhe gorillas or align with the Americans,
but to stay and assist his fatherwith rice planting. Kimsu relinquished his leather
satchel and sword, handing the tonicand sword to Ben. He then entrusted
Ben with the satchel containing a setof mops, instructing him to safeguard them

(18:06):
in a wooden box buried behind thehouse. He emphasized the oath never to
share the mops with anyone and towait for his return. Repeating the mantra
Asha ten times, Kimsu reiterated thewarning against joining any factions is trusting that
doing so would lead the danger fromthe Japanese. With a final plea and
another repetition of the mantra, Kimsudeparted for good. Ben watched Kimsu's departure,

(18:30):
holding onto the sword satchel and tunnikbefore entering the house, carrying with
him the weight of Kimsu's parting wordsand the responsibility of preserving the mops until
Kimsu's return or passing as the sunriseheralded a new day generally, Yamashita retreated
up the a Sineaver into the Kianganpocket, where he would spend the last
three months of the war. Meanwhile, the sword that Prince Taghreeda had bestowed

(18:55):
upon Ben carried a rich history.Crafted from man made steel, folded with
darker metal from a meteorite, andencased in a sheath of wood and lead.
It was a key from Kimsu's grandfather, Emperor Meiji, with cherished fine
swords. Unaware of its immense value, Ben used it for practical purposes,
cutting rice talks during harvest and tendingto the fields in the following years.

(19:18):
When spring arrived, Ben downed thewhite tunic adorn with the red and gold
ker Santimum patch on the left presswhile plowing the fields. However, his
father cautioned him against wearing it publicly, bearing reprisal as a collaborator. Despite
the passing years, both the tunicand the sword endured, serving as a
tangible reminders of Ben's oath. Throughoutthis time, Ben remained faithful to his

(19:44):
promise, reserving the mops and honoringKimsu's instructions. On September two, nineteen
forty five, following Japan's formal surrendergenerally, Yamashita Tomoyuki emerged along a mountain
trail, his Sammarai sword in handas he approached American lines to surrender himself
and his staff. The past monthhad been only a three mile advance by

(20:04):
American forces, and Yamashita appeared bornand tainer, having endured the siege in
the Kiagan packet, which had takena heavy toll in terms of men lost.
Despite the hardships, Yamashita did notoffer it to a suicide, expressing
his belief that doing so would shiftblame onto someone else. As Yamashita and

(20:25):
his staff approached the American reception committee, led by Military Police Major as Hak
Kenwarthy, there was a significant moment. Lieutenant Colonel Leslie Mphry, an eyewitness,
noted that the younger Japanese personnel cameforward carrying neatley stock cold bars totally
half a metric pun Yamashita, ina gesture of surrender, unbuckled his sword,

(20:48):
bowed deeply, and presented it toMajor Kenworth. However, the aftermath
of yamashita surrender took a green turnfive months later. On Februar very twenty
three, nineteen forty six, aftera trial marked by controversy and what many
saw as a miscarriage of justice,Yamashita was executed by hanging. Interestingly,

(21:08):
the charges against him did not mentionplunder treasure or wartime looting. Instead,
Yamashita was accused of war crimes dueto atrocities made by Admiral Iwobuhi sailors and
marines in Manila, actions that wentagainst Yamashita's explicit orders. Yamashita's trial and
subsequent conviction were indeed unprecedented in history, marking the first time a defeated Niminitions

(21:33):
general was tried for alleged war crimesby the United States as a sovereign power.
However, the circumstances surrounding the trialraised serious questions about the fairness and
legality of the proceedings. The tribunalin Manila was not composed of legal experts,
and there were allegations that the prosecutionwas pressured by MacArthur's headquarters to hasten

(21:56):
the trial, minimize court procedures,and rely on him evidence. Yamashita's defense
team appealed to the US Supreme Court, where two justices denounced trials conduct.
Justice Murphy criticized the Rush trial lackof time for adequate defense preparation, and
the absence of proof linking Yamashita torecognize violations of war laws. Justice Rutledge

(22:18):
also criticized the departure from legal traditionsand warned against establishing oppressive precedents. Despite
these criticisms, Yamashita's conviction was upheldand his subsequent appeals, including one to
President Truman, were unsuccessful. Manybelieved that Yamashita was unfairly treated due to
MacArthur's desire for revenge and to salvagehis reputation. However, there were indications

(22:42):
of a hidden agenda behind Yamashita's trialand execution. The case of General Yamashita
serves as a controversial and complex chapterin the history of wartime justice, raising
important questions about legal standards, parencyand trials, and the potential for politics
motivations to influence judicial processes. AsAdaz settled after World War Two, the

(23:06):
search for Yamashita's treasure became increasingly frantic. The rush trial of General Yamashita was
driven by a hidden agenda. Thegoal was not only to delivers with have
justice, but also to suppress thedeeper secrets and power struggles entwine with the
hidden wealth. As the legal proceedingsdrew to a close, those in pursuit

(23:26):
of the treasure realized that direct questioningof Yamashita yielded few answers. They had
to pivot, delving into the shadowsof his inner circle for the clues they
desperately sought encounter, and this roadblock, they focused their strategy on his
trusted driver, Major Kadjima Kashi,leading this clandestine operation, cloaking intrigue and

(23:49):
suspense was Severino Garcia di s SantaRomana, better known by the enigmatic moniker
sand. Despite the atrocities, Santiand his team operated with precision and caution.
Their goal wasn't revenge or retribution.It was information. They needed to
extract vital details from Major Kajima withoutcausing harm or tarnishing his memory. What

(24:12):
Santi thought was the truth about thehidden goal. They wanted Major Kajima to
divulge every secret location where General Yamashitahas a stash Bullian and other treasures over
the past year. Santi needed specificsthe exact entrances, the layout of each
side, and a detailed account ofany booby traps lurking within. The Fate

(24:36):
of vast fortunes hung on these revelations, and Santi was determined to unlock every
hidden secret. The denial of SantaRamana's existence by the Philippine government today is
not in short of calling a leavinglegend a myth. His legacy, however,
lives undrough the testimonies of his familymembers, his brother, mistresses,
and children. Their accounts coupled withtangible evidence such as tombstones, documents,

(25:02):
tapes, videos, and eyewitness testimoniespaint a vivid picture of a man who
was more than just a legend.The truth is substantiated by marriage licenses,
confirmissions from senior CIA officials, theMarcos family, Santi's business associates, bank
records, and legal battles is Spanningover six decades. These irrefutable pieces of

(25:25):
evidence stand as a testament to SantaRomana's existence and his pass well, which
includes cash and gold bullion stash inbanks across the globe. Santi's efforts in
recovering gold became the corner's stone ofmany secret funds, including the enigmatic M
Fund. He held the key toAmerica's Golden Lily recoveries until the arrival of

(25:47):
Ferdinand Marcos, who usurped Santi's positionand became the new custodian of these clandestine
treasures. Santa Romana may be ashadowy figure to some, but to those
who know the truth, his legacyis as real as the riches his safeguarded.
The period following Santi's completion of recoveriesin nineteen forty seven mark a significant

(26:08):
law of two decades before Ferdinand Marcosinitiated similar operations. However, the late
nineteen fifties, a subtle yet unmistakableresurgence occurred as small groups of Japanese individuals
quietly returned to Philippines under various guises. Some purportedly came to search for the
remains of the diseased soldiers for shinterre burial rights in Japan. Take extended

(26:33):
its assistance to the Philippines, offeringostensibly free infrastructure projects such as irrigation systems
and roads that often took peculiar routesthrough mountainous terrain. Additionally, Japanese salvage
companies appeared on the scene, offeringto clear doc clutter from Manila Bay and
restore its battered waterfront. In thecourse of their activities, the salvage sunken

(26:57):
ships laden with bully, cleverly disguisingtheir gold retrieval efforts. Japanese corporations also
undertook construction projects in seemingly random locationsacross the Philippines, building factories that required
extensive excavations. These factories, onceoperational, employed Filipino workers assembling electronics like

(27:19):
TVs, tape recorders, computers,and household appliances, which were then shipped
back to Japan in unusually heavy crates. Although the CIA was aware of the
smuggling of gold bullion out of thePhilippines through discovered channels, they chose not
to intervene, allowing the intricate danceof intrigue and deception to continue unabated.

(27:41):
The beginning of Marcus's involvement in goldrecovery was marked by happenstance. Upon learning
about two Japanese individuals digging in IlocosNorte, the home province of the Marcos
family, in search of their ownhidden stash, Marcus tooks with action and
confiscated their gold biscuit bars. Hisincidents serve as a catalyst for marcus deeper

(28:03):
interest in the realm of hidden treasures. As a shred and ambitious politician,
Marcus actively sought out connections and inpermission about Santi's clandestine recoveries. Leveraging his
legal background, Marcos position himself isstrategically within Santi's operation, known as the
Umbrella, gradually gaining influence and controlover certain aspects. By the time Marcus

(28:26):
ascended to the presidency in nineteen sixtyfive, he had established significant ties,
including a direct approach from the Japaneseunderworld figure Sasakawa Ryochi. Sasakawa proposed joint
efforts in recovering warloot, setting thestage for Marcos' expanded role in the world
of hidden treasures. In nineteen seventyone, Marcus sees an extraordinary treasure that

(28:48):
would later become world renowned. AFilipino lacksmith, an amateur treasure hunter named
Rohelio Roger Rojas, ventured into aJapanese army dug tunnel and stumbled upon a
breathtaking solid gold Buddha weighing an impressiveone tan. This Buddha, with its
distinct permesy style, had been takenfrom a Buddhist order in Mandalay, symbolizing

(29:11):
centuries of accumulated wealth. The aftermathof Roja's recovery unfolded into a saga of
intrigue and legal battles, culminating ina landmark court case before the Supreme Court
of the State of Hawaii. Thetrial record of Roja, Rojas and the
Golden Buddha Corporation Versus Marcus revealed astonishingdetails and concluded with a historic forty three

(29:32):
billion dollars civil award, marking itas the largest civil award in judicial history.
The comprehensive findings of fact from thetrial, supported by extensive evidence including
testimony, transcripts, documents, photographs, and their positions, remains an unparalleled
testament to the hidden treasures and theircomplex journ. The discovery of numerous documents

(29:55):
within the Presidential Security Command archives followingMarcus's downfall shed the light on intriguing secret
contacts in Tokyo involving a figure referredto as Lord Ijebara or Lord Ichibara.
This happened a quarter of a centurylater, specifically in nineteen sixty eight in
Tokyo, when Lord Ichivara confided inColonel Villia Crucis about the optimal strategy for

(30:18):
obtaining a complete set of the GoldenLilly Treasure maps for President Marcos. Chivara
proposed that locating Polkiga would be keyto this endeavor. Once Kiga was found,
Vilia Crusis could unlease his expertise totrace the whereabouts of ben Valmores,
who served as the wartime valley ofPrince Tagreeda. This strategic approach hinted at

(30:41):
a calculated and intricate plan to accessvaluable information and assets related to the Golden
Lilly operations. This mysterious individual's willingnessto collude with President Marcos presents curious contrast
to the non loyalties of Prince Tagreda. While Kimsu would have likely kept Marcus
at this distones from Ben bal Morris, it appears that Lord Ichibara played a

(31:03):
pivotal role in directing Marcos towards Ben. The implications of this clandestine collaboration raised
questions about hidden agendas, shifting alliances, and the intricate web of connections in
the pursuit of hidden treasures and covertoperations during that era. When Giga knocked
on Ben Balmorris door in Doulao inJanuary nineteen sixty nine, Ben had no

(31:26):
idea who he was. Giga claimedthat they had spoken during the war at
various Golden lilicides where he supposedly helpedwith inventories. Ben knew this was falls
since only Prince Dakhada teth inventories andhe had never seen Giga before. Giga
insisted he had worn a Japanese uniformand couldn't be remembered among all the soldiers.

(31:48):
Ben sends gigas devious and unreliable.Later, Ben discovered Giga was telling
people he had been the Prince's valleyand he had the true maps. Giga
offered to show people where to digfor a thousand dollars monthly retainer. Gigas
stayed in Dulahu for weeks trying towin Ben over. Ben pretended to speak
only Ilocano, but Giga switched toJapanese, claiming to be an emissary from

(32:13):
President Marcos, who wanted Ben's mopsto leave Filipinos out of poverty. Ben
doubted this, Juto marcos evil reputation. Finally, Gigor threatened that if Ben
didn't hand over the mops, soldierswould take his family to Believe in prison
to be tortured and killed. Benstill refused. Frightened for his family,
Ben remembered his oath to Kimsu.He had sworn to guard the mops for

(32:37):
thirty years, and only seven yearsremained. Despite no contact from the Prince
for twenty three years, Ben hadnever rebuilt Kimsu's real name. To protect
his family, Ben decided on acompromise. Benry served his three favorite sites
from the one hundred and seventy fiveBread series mops Tunnel eighth and Tunnel nine
near Bambang and montalban Is of Mani. Out of the remaining one hundred and

(33:00):
seventy two mops, he picked forty. He teamed minor or very challenging.
If pressed or threatened, he couldhand this mandle to Giga for Marcos.
Days later, Colonel Villio Crucis appearedat Ben's store in the dead of the
night, demanding the mops for apresidential mission. Ben, bound by his
oath to Kimsu, hesitated, buteventually relented given assurances of their safe return.

(33:24):
Ben nervously accompanied Villio Crucis to Manila, presenting the bundle of forty mops.
However, instead of meeting Marcos,they ran the wood with high ranking
officials, engaging in an eerie displayof power and intimidation. The mops intrigued
them, but their understanding was limited. Bencour's and fearful, was risked away

(33:45):
to various locations, each encounter ladenwith threats and suspicion. A call to
Tokyo, linking Ben to his passand oath, ended abropertly, leaving Ben
shaken. Despite promises the mops neverreached marcos video cruise is kept the bundle
for study, sparing Ben but instillinga constant sense of fear. This chaotic

(34:05):
episode marked the onset of Marcus's aggressivegold recoveries. Armed with the elusive golden
limaps, they underestimated the complexity oftheir endeavor, embarking on a tumultous journey
filled with secrecy and miscalculation. ForBen, who knew the locations of all
the gold votes, life in Doulauand Bambang followed the cyclical pattern of wet

(34:27):
rice planting and harvest. One exceptionwas his friendship with Roger Rojas, a
Baggie lacksmith to periodically hunted for aburied lute in Bamba. Over the years,
Ben and Rojas grew close, andone day Ben gave Rojas a golden
li maap, revealing a network oftunnels behind the Baggio hospital. Rojas discovered
the gold Buddha and a magnificent goldmodel of the Cathedral of Ras, rafted

(34:52):
with exquisite detail and featuring a clockwhere the original stained glass windows should be.
Rojas gave the cathedral model to Benas his share. The treasurer believed
to have originated from Vietnam, wasthe work of a master godsmith and would
have fetched a high price at auction. However, when Ben saw the fate
that befel Rojas after the gold Buddhadiscovery, he reburied the cathedral model in

(35:16):
his yard. Later, General FabianVer learned from Paul Giga about Ben's possession
of the gold cathedral and sent bugsto his house, pretaining his family until
he handed it over. Ten yearslater. The only thing Ben still possessed
was a Japanese campaign metal, agift from Kim Su. Everything had been

(35:37):
stolen, confiscated, or lost.Reflecting on his dealings with Marcos and his
cronies, Ben lamented all they evergave me you with secretes. Despite the
birth of children and a constant flowof treasure hunters, Ben remained poor.
Ben wasn't the only eyewitness. Therewere POWs who survived Taiwan's slave laborers,

(35:59):
who was skip, Filipinos, andeven few Americans like John Balinger who saw
the Japanese hiding. Goad, afamily that owned pasture land at the Indiana
State was rumored to have made arecovery, becoming VIPs in Bamba. They
built a three story building in townand started a Keybole TV business using three

(36:19):
large satellite dishes. Despite being presentat all one hundred and seventy five Imperial
sites, Ben remained poor. Agredareturned to Manila in nineteen seventy four.
After the Tunnel nine recovery, hewas complete. After leaving Ben in June
nineteen forty five, Ahaedo was welcomedby his cousin Hirohito and sent to Manchuria

(36:40):
as a chief financial officer of theImperial Armed Boshwar who ensured the Huantu army
Is surrender compliance, and then returnedto Tokyo. When the peerage system ended,
he became mister Takeda Sunniyoshi, markingthe end of Takheda Noma Princely House.
To avoid Allied seizure, Tagreda soldhis estates, keeping only a ranch

(37:02):
in Chiba Prefecture. He tried hishand at business with the Dakkehda Knitting Machines
company, which failed. Once theAmericans left, he presumed his aristocratic lifestyle.
Money was never an issue due tohis contributions to Japan's wealth. Preferring
the countryside, Treda spent most ofhis time at his Chiba ranch raising thorough

(37:23):
bred horses. He became president ofthe Japan Olympic Committee in nineteen sixty two
and an International Olympic Committee member fromnineteen sixty seven to nineteen eighty one,
a tradition continued by his son.A profile of Tareeda in The Japan Times
in April nineteen sixty four described himas relaxed fear from self consciousness and tension,

(37:45):
radiating warm and friendliness. He adheredto principles of truth, fairness,
and goodwill, making him a modelof royalty. In nineteen seventy four,
Takeda flew to the Philippines after Japanesestrugglers. Second Lieutenant Onoda Hero was discovered
on Luba Island. Anoda, whohad been hiding since nineteen forty five,

(38:07):
engaged in guerrilla warfare for thirty years, believing the war was ongoing, despite
Livlitz's stating otherwise. When found byJapanese explorer Suzuki Noriyo in February nineteen seventy
four, Anoda still carried his rifle, five hundred rounds of ammunition, and
hand grenades. Another refused to surrenderunless his commanding officer released him. Ben

(38:30):
knew this officer was Prince Tagreda,who had ordered Onada to guard a treasure
vault on Luba Island during the war. When Anoda was found in nineteen seventy
four, Japanese officials, including MajorTaniguchi Yoshima and Prince Tagreda, arrived to
persuade him to surrender. Recognizing Takeda, on TV, then realized the Prince

(38:52):
had come to release Anoda from hisduty. Another return to Japan shortly after,
laming difficulty adjusting to modern Japan.Another was sent to a Japanese own
ranch in Brazil, where bodyguards ensuredno one questioned him about the Luban treasures
until they were recovered. Sasakawa ledthe Luban recovery disguise as developing the island

(39:14):
into a luxury resort for a wealthyJapanese tourist. President Marcos meets Sasakawa an
honorary citizen for his donations and effortsto improve Japan Pilippines relations, though nothing
was mentioned about sharing warlote with Marcos. Although Prince Takeda did not visit Ben
after the war, he sent ColonelKasabuchi in nineteen eighty four, while Ben

(39:36):
was temporarily living in Manila, Kasabuchiarrived in Bambam with a heavy suitcase.
An old man resembling a sumo wrestler, he struggled with heat and held tightly
to the suitcase. He asked RangHoo, a tricycle driver, to take
him to San Fernando to find Benramin, a former valley to a Japanese
prince during the war. Despite spendingthe days and refusing help with the suitcase,

(40:01):
Kasubuci couldn't find Ben, who waswell known in the nearby barrier of
Dullah. Frustrated and unsuccessful, Kasabuchireturned to Manila with the suitcase and Ben
remain poor. Before we conclude,it's important to note that the topics discussed
and this episode are based on historicalevents, research, and interpretations. While

(40:23):
efforts have been made to present accurateinformation, historical narratives can be complex and
subject to differing viewpoints. The viewsand opinions express here are those of the
speakers and do not necessarily represent allperspectives. We encourage listeners to explore diverse
sources, conduct their own research,and form their own informed opinions. Remember,

(40:46):
history is often a tapestry woman frommultiple threads, and understanding its complexities
requires ongoing learning and critical thinking.The pursuit of Iymashito's treasure, hidden beneath
the vineyar of glittering gold, isa tale woven with threads of secrecy and
deceit, a hunting echo of adarker history that remains largely untold. Beneath

(41:09):
the surface of a grandeur lies thenarrative of human suffering, moral erosion,
and the relentless sterurs of power andwealth. War, with its indiscriminate devastation
and unquenchable greed, set the stagefor a clandestine dance of ambition and treachery.
The Imperial legacy personified by Prince Chichibuand the Golden Lilli Operation poor witness

(41:34):
to the depths of human ambition,where loyalty shifted like san and promises were
wailed in the shadows. In theshadows of power, friendships like that of
Ben Valmories became casualties of a relentlesspursuit. Is Oath to Kimsu, a
promised forge in the cryscible of war, stood as a testament to the enduring
human spirit amidst the chaos of greedand power struggles. The struggle for control

(42:00):
over Yamashita's treasure and lease a torrentof hidden agendas and murky alliances, where
the line between right and wrong blurred. In the quest for untold riches,
leaders architects of deception wove a webof intrigue and deceit during the true cause
of their ambitions from the public eye. The impact of war, not just

(42:20):
in terms of life's laws, butin the erosion of morality and integrity,
resonates through the annals of history.The treasure hunt became a battle ground where
the human toll was swept aside inthe pursuit of ephemeral wealth and power.
This hidden history, obscured by theveils of time and secrecy, invites us
the question what we know and whatlies beneath the surface. The struggle for

(42:44):
Yamashita's treasures serves as a stark reminderof the high price paid in the pursuit
of power and will, a narrativethat continues to echo through the corridors of
history, urging us to uncover thetruths hidden in the shadows in the time
twilight of war and the dawn ofambition. Our shared histories intertwine, revealing

(43:05):
the intricate dance of power, wealth, and human nature. As they thread
the paths of the past, weuncover not just treasures hidden involves, but
the bird truths that shape our world. Let us not be content with the
surface narratives, but dell deeper,questioning the shadows cast by the leaders and
the untold stories of those caught inthe crossfires of ambition. In the silence

(43:28):
of our gatten voices and the whispersof hidden agendas, lies the essence of
our shared journ, a tapestry inmoven with threads of courage, with trial
and resilience. As we navigate thecomplexities of history, let us remember the
lessons of the past and carry themforward, illuminating the shadows, honoring the

(43:49):
sacrifices, and seeking the truths thatdefine our humanity. Or in this quest
lies the hope for a future wherethe echoes of war, faith, and
the light of understanding guiss towards amore enlightened world. As we conclude this
chapter of history, let us ponderwhat other untold stories lie beneath the surface.
Join us in our quest for knowledgeand truth, as to explore the

(44:14):
mysteries of our past on the littlReired podcast. Don't forget to subscribe for
more intriguing episodes and share thoughts withus. Together, let's uncover the hidden
layers of our world and embrace thecomplexities that shape our journey the time.
Thanks for listening.