Dear Editor,
The province of Romblon welcomes the recent discovery of World War II Japanese battleship Musashi shipwreck by Microsoft co-founder Paul Allen and his team in Sibuyan Sea which may be within the territory of the province of Romblon (exact location has not been disclosed by Mr. Allen’s team).
Historically recorded, Musashi, the largest and most heavily-armed warship ever launched, was sunk by American forces during the Battle of Sibuyan Sea which led to one of history’s largest naval battles, the Battle of Leyte Gulf.
For years, the province of Romblon in collaboration with civic organisations and local government units in Tablas and Sibuyan Islands has been commemorating this event to promote peace, unity and prosperity among Americans, Japanese and Filipinos in remembrance of the fallen soldiers and civilians during the war. World War II memorials have been erected, as well.
In fact the government of the Philippines, through Proclamation No. 45, s. 2010, declared 24 October 2010, and every year thereafter as ‘Battle of Sibuyan Sea Day’ ordering ‘the Department of Education, National Historical Commission of the Philippines, and all other pertinent government agencies to rectify history herewith in their respective institutional capacities’.
There have been initiatives of the private sector, local and national governments to preserve the historical integrity and significance of the Battle of Sibuyan Sea for all concerned to embrace reconciliation and peace through historical tourism, cultural exchange and international cooperation.
In relation to the recent discovery of the the battleship Musashi wreck, the provincial government is unaware of the presence of Mr. Allen’s vessel and his team at Sibuyan Sea. Claiming that they have been searching for Musashi for more than eight years, there has been no information shared nor coordination with the local authorities.
We have known that even the Philippine Coast Guard and the Philippine Navy were also unaware about the exploration conducted. Since there may be artefacts which are historically significant, government institutions like the National Museum and the National Historical Commission of the Philippines must also be informed.
Being a Japanese vessel, it is also proper to inform the Embassy of Japan. As reverence to their fallen soldiers, there may also be ways how to regard the issue with utmost traditional sensitivity.
We hope that national laws and international protocols be observed for proper coordination and collaboration.
Again, we welcome this historical discovery by Mr. Paul Allen and his team.
EDUARDO C. FIRMALO, MD
Governor
20
