Romblon gov’t clueless on Sibuyan Sea exploration

MANILA, Philippines - Romblon Gov. Eduardo Firmalo welcomed the discovery of the World War II Japanese battleship Musashi by Microsoft co-founder Paul Allen and his team in Sibuyan Sea, but noted that the provincial government was not informed about the group’s exploration.

Firmalo said the provincial government is unaware of the presence of Allen’s vessel and his team at Sibuyan Sea, within the territory of the Romblon province. He said there had been no information sharing or coordination with local authorities.

“Even the Philippine Coast Guard and the Philippine Navy were also unaware about the exploration conducted. Since there may be artifacts which are historically significant, government institutions like the National Museum and the National Historical Commission of the Philippines (should have been) informed,” he said.

“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,” he added.

Allen and his team claimed that they had been searching for the Musashi for more than eight years.

According to historical records, the 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.

The governor said there have been initiatives of the private sector as well as the local and national governments to preserve the historical integrity and significance of the Battle of Sibuyan Sea.

For years, Firmalo said the province of Romblon, in collaboration with civic organizations 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.