10. Where is the gold kept and who was the custody of it?

1. Storage of Gold

The gold belonging to the people of the Philippine Islands is primarily stored in underground bunkers, caves, tunnels, and well-protected facilities located within the ancestral domains of the Indigenous People. These ancestral domains are safeguarded by law under R.A. 8371, also known as the Indigenous Peoples Rights Act of 1997, which protects against intrusion and trespassing—even by members of the Philippine government.

2. Role of Local Communities

All the gold is held in safe custody by local communities on whose land it is stored. These communities are responsible for the safekeeping, security, and protection of God’s gold, as required by their spiritual beliefs and ancestral tradition passed down from generation to generation. They are referred to as the “keepers of the gold,” a role imbued with spiritual significance and power.

3. Spiritual and Cultural Protection

The gold is protected not only by spiritual beings but also by the Indigenous People, who have maintained custody over the gold of the Philippines since time immemorial. This dual protection underscores the cultural and spiritual importance of the gold within their communities.

4. Inheritance Philosophy

In contrast to Western societies, where it is often considered a duty for parents to leave an inheritance to their children, Indigenous People view their possessions as borrowed from their children and future generations. They believe that all they have in this life must be returned at the end of their lives, either in the same condition or improved.

5. Legacy of Gold

With this philosophy of stewardship, it is easy to understand why gold has been passed down through generations for thousands of years. This cultural approach has ensured that the gold remains highly protected and secure today, just as it has been through countless generations.