Metro Manila (CNN Philippines, March 18) — Rocks believed to bear the carved initials of Ferdinand Magellan and other members of his expedition were vandalized in Homonhon Island, Guiuan, Eastern Samar.
According to historian and UP professor Rolando Borrinaga, cement partially covered the rock with Magellan’s initials, while another rock with the initials of Martin de Ayamonte and Cristobal Rabelo bore the word “Calbayog.”
Borrinaga noticed the vandalism during a visit to the site where the rocks were located.
He said nothing could be done now for the vandalized rocks except to make a cast replica of the old inscriptions.
The National Historical Commission of the Philippines is planning to install a new marker on the site.
In 1952, a marker was placed in the area but was later destroyed in the 1970s by treasure hunters who believed there was gold buried in the site.
On Tuesday, the NHCP unveiled a marker in Suluan Island to commemorate Magellan’s arrival 500 years ago. It is one of three markers erected by the NHCP in Guiuan for the year-long quincentennial celebration of Christianity in the Philippines.
Magellan, a Portuguese explorer sailing under the Spanish flag, was the first European to reach the islands and credited with introducing the religion to the country.
