One of the bastions that comprise the former fortified settlement of Daanglungsod in Oslob. Translated to English, it means "old town" in Cebuano.

To put into context the different Spanish colonial era fortifications in the Philippines, I have prepared a 3-part series about this. Read all about it starting with this post.

Oslob has always been frequented by Muslim slave raiders that passed these areas during the amihan or northwest moonsoon on their return trip to Sulu with their boatloads of captives. The year 1813 was significant to the townspeople as it was during this time that, with the aid of Fray Julian Bermejo’s string of watchtowers, the local armed militia was able to repel and capture the leader of a raiding party off Sumilon Island. This decisive event led to peace and a stop to the slaving, enough reason that a new town was formed, now the current poblacion of Oslob.

Daanglungsod was originally named Bolocboloc, two kilometers south of the present center of the municipality. Just along the highway infront of the sea are the ruins of a once fortified settlement that is believed to have been constructed in 1788. The quadrilateral fort has five bastions made from coral stones. Window openings still have its molave planks as lintels.

The area is quite big. At the front-center is a modern chapel where the original might have stood. At one side is said to be the main entrance, as Javellana wrote in his book. So does this mean that the current roadside entrance fronting the chapel was originally closed? Near this religious structure are stone foundations, remnants of habitable structures found near two walls.

Curiosly, at the center is a ruined watchtower. Why was this here? Was this part of Fray Bermejo’s network of fortifications to warn of approaching raiders? Or does this predate the walls, one that was constructed first? At the back of this settlement is a hill that has another watchtower built. It provides a breathtaking view of Cebu Strait and the neighboring islands of Bohol, Siquijor and Negros.

The current condition of the ruins of Daanglungsod is very bad. Overgrown with vegetation, the walls are deteriorating and crumbling to this day.

Estan Cabigas is a multiawarded blogger and freelance photographer based in Makati City, the Philippines. A true blue Cebuano, he makes stunning images and meaningful photo stories. He has writtten for CNN Go and his photograph will be published in the May 2010 issue of the National Geographic Magazine.

To know more about him and his photography, visit estancabigas.com.

Estan Cabigas | Create Your Badge