Are there 'ruins' in Masbate? Kuya Kim answers

Residents of Cawayan, Masbate have long believed that there are sunken ruins in the waters surrounding the islands.

But according to Kuya Kim’s report on “24 Oras,” Tuesday, the captured images of the so-called ruins were actually a bunch of rocks that serve as homes for abalones.

This was verified by the Maritime and Underwater Cultural Heritage Division of the National Museum when they conducted an underwater archeological exploration to determine whether there are ruins near Gilotongan Island in Masbate.

Roberto Ardenio Jr., Philippine Coast Guard substation commander said, “Kumpul-kumpulan ng mga bato na inuuwian ng mga abalone.” 

An abalone is a type of marine snail.

“Ang genus nila ay tinatawag na Haliotis, which is Greek for sea ear, sapagkat mukha silang tenga. Dahil masarap silang kainin at medyo maganda ang kanilang shell, sila ay matagal nang hinaharvest ng mga tao,” said Gregg Yan, executive director, Best Alternatives Campaign.

The rocks that serve as their home were placed there on purpose by some fishermen.

“Dati nag-culture ako niyan. Every three months, mag-harvest sa kapinan,” Rodrigo Tibar Jr., a fisherman from the island, said.

Cawayan, Masbate municipal administrator Greg Magalad said, “Yan yung isa sa mga livelihood na pinagkukunan din nila ng pera.” — Carby Basina/BAP, GMA Integrated News