Officials call for protection, preservation of cave art in Monreal, Masbate

The Tourism Office from Monreal, Masbate on September 24 discovered paintings etched on the walls of Ednagen and Camilo caves, prompting the National Museum and the National Commission for Culture and Arts to arrange an examination of the discovery.

Aside from the drawings of monkeys, human faces, worms or snakes, plants, dragonflies, and birds, fragments of clay jars (palayok) were also found in the cave.

Experts believe that a careful analysis of the paintings or pictograms should be done now, as this process could take a long time.

Representatives from the National Museum placed heavy emphasis on preserving the new discoveries and protecting them against foreign and local tourist who might contaminate or destroy the art.

However, the National Museum did not discount the possibility that the cave paintings are a hoax created as a prank.

The local government unit of Monreal is currently implementing strict measures to guard the caves. —with a report by Hero Peewee Bacuño/ALG, GMA News