'Landing' statues mutilated yet again

CEBU, Philippines - The life-size statues of Filipino and American soldiers in Barangay Poblacion, Talisay City were again mutilated prompting City Hall to order for their repair before the March 26 Landing anniversary.

City Administrator Richel Bacaltos said that while he understands that there parts of the historic site that are subject to wear and tear, he will look into why the city’s Civil Security Unit (CSU) failed to detail personnel in the area.

”I’m going to check with the CSU why they missed that part. They have posted their men at the public park, the TCC (Talisay City College), but why leave out the Landing area?” said Bacaltos.

The seven statues of the soldiers, which were installed in 2009 as part of the city’s P5 million makeover of the monument of the March 16, 1945 landing, can be seen at the far end of the Landing Shrine in Barangay Poblacion.

Last year, the same statues had to be repaired after the arms and accessories of the soldiers were destroyed. The city then assigned guards at the area, preventing people from defacing the said national shrine.

As months rolled by, however, the area became unguarded and attracted locals to loiter even at the supposed off-limit sections. It did not take long when it was reported that some of the statues have lost their noses while others lost their hands.

Some of the decorative lamps were broken, but Bacaltos said this could have been caused by rust considering that the area is by the beach.

Bacaltos however, said that before the March 26 commemoration of the Landing anniversary, the entire place will have to be repaired.

He said guards will have to watch over the site around-the-clock to ensure that it gets protected night and day. (FREEMAN)