Divers at Lagundi Reef find a WWII cap of a US soldier

Professional divers down in the Lagundi Reef off the shores of barangay Poblacion, Talisay City have found a worn-out but still intact military cap, believed owned by one of the American soldiers who landed on the beaches of Talisay City during World War II.

The divers of Talisay City turned over the cap, they called "treasure cap", to councilor Shirley Belleza who in turn showed it to the council, shortly before the session was adjourned.

"This only proves that takas really happened on the shores of Talisay," Belleza said while holding the hat up for everybody's view. Takas was the city's term for the landing of American and Filipino soldiers almost 61 years ago to liberate the entire province of Cebu from the Japanese.

Scuba divers Anthony "Bong" Nator and Alfie Fernandez, of the Talisay City Swimming and Life Saving Association Inc., were the ones who discovered and retrieved the "treasure cap", a tag the councilor has also adapted.

"The discovery of the historic artifact is so timely, said Belleza citing the coming commemoration of Takas Talisay on March 26, of which Tourism Secretary Ace Durano will be attending.

Belleza however had no idea on what agency the "treasure cap" will be turned over for safekeeping or on how to preserve it.

Council presiding officer Richell Bacaltos suggested placing it at the city museum where the public could get a good view of it.

Belleza, meanwhile, invited other members of the council to see for themselves the beauty of Lagundi Reef, which she planned to develop as the city's next diving destination.

In case the councilors will take the invitation, the next dive at the site will be on Saturday, she said. - Liv G. Campo