Japanese tunnels seen as tourism sites

CEBU, Philippines – Cebu City Mayor Michael Rama plans to install landmarks in areas where there are tunnels made by the Japanese soldiers during the World War II.

Rama sees their potential as tourist attractions, particularly to the Japanese nationals.

Unknown to many, Cebu City has several man-made tunnels discovered in various hills in Barangays Lahug, Busay and Apas.

These tunnels, however, were just turned into septic tanks by residents.

The mayor believes that Japanese nationals would want to see these tunnels that were used as hideouts of Japanese soldiers during the war more than 60 years ago.

Rama explained that the city will not spend too much in installing markers in areas near the tunnels.

Some of these tunnels, particularly the one that is situated in sitio Maracas, Lahug caved in due to excessive rainfall last Sunday damaging a house owned by Susan Auditor.

The Mines and Geosciences Bureau (MGB) already issued warnings and advised residents near the tunnels to evacuate, but Rama said he could not force the residents to leave their locations.

A Cebu City Hall employee assigned to the office of Vice Mayor Joy Augustus Young confirmed that there are several tunnels in sitio Maracas.

"Sa gagmay pa mi anha gani mi diha magduwa-duwa. Mosulod man gani mi sa tunnel kaniadto," he said. But years later, several houses were constructed above the tunnel and even used the tunnel as septic tank.

The MGB 7 recommends for the tunnels to be filled with earth materials to stabilize the ground. But this could no longer be done because there are houses above the tunnel.

The MGB 7 officials also recommend the construction of a drainage system so that surface water or rainwater will be diverted away from tunnel. (FREEMAN)