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"Batanes Tunnel": An 'I-Witness' documentary by Jay Taruc
“BATANES TUNNEL”
Dokumentaryo ni Jay Taruc
Airing date: April 12, 2014
Batanes. One of the most sought after destinations in the Philippines. Visiting the majestic structures of the Ivatan stone houses, lighthouses, and beholding the breathtaking landscapes are definitely among every Pinoy’s bucket list.
But little is known about the tunnels dug by the Ivatans during World War 2.
The Batanes tunnels were made to be part of the military bunker of the Japanese forces. What is unique is that these were dug in part by children! Two surviving tunnel diggers recounted their experiences during the Japanese occupation of Batan Island.
Lolo Daniel and Lolo Luis recounted how they were rounded up by the Japanese to work in the mountains. They were not brutalized while digging but the fear of being killed if they objected was always on their mind.
At present, a few remnants from what they call their darkest hour lie in some of the houses in Batan Island.
One such tunnel, the Japanese Tunnel, is now part of the tour package being given to tourists because it is the biggest and is still intact.
The local government is gathering resources to preserve these tunnels. Up to now, however, no historical or geological study of the tunnels have been conducted. Whatever valuable artifacts that could be found inside the tunnels remain undocumented, or worse, looted.
Join Jay Taruc and his team as they go underground this Saturday on I-Witness.
Dokumentaryo ni Jay Taruc
Airing date: April 12, 2014
Batanes. One of the most sought after destinations in the Philippines. Visiting the majestic structures of the Ivatan stone houses, lighthouses, and beholding the breathtaking landscapes are definitely among every Pinoy’s bucket list.
But little is known about the tunnels dug by the Ivatans during World War 2.
The Batanes tunnels were made to be part of the military bunker of the Japanese forces. What is unique is that these were dug in part by children! Two surviving tunnel diggers recounted their experiences during the Japanese occupation of Batan Island.
Lolo Daniel and Lolo Luis recounted how they were rounded up by the Japanese to work in the mountains. They were not brutalized while digging but the fear of being killed if they objected was always on their mind.
At present, a few remnants from what they call their darkest hour lie in some of the houses in Batan Island.
One such tunnel, the Japanese Tunnel, is now part of the tour package being given to tourists because it is the biggest and is still intact.
The local government is gathering resources to preserve these tunnels. Up to now, however, no historical or geological study of the tunnels have been conducted. Whatever valuable artifacts that could be found inside the tunnels remain undocumented, or worse, looted.
Join Jay Taruc and his team as they go underground this Saturday on I-Witness.
