Ram Felix Rengel, Jr.

Punta Cruz Watchtower, Maribojoc, Bohol

In Maribojoc, some 14 km west of Tagbilaran City, a curious triangular watch tower oversees the seas South of Bohol. From its windows at the top, you can see Cebu, Siquijor, and Mindanao. The Spanish had it built in 1796 as a look-out post against pirates and Muslim marauders, who at that time where a plague to the religious people of Bohol. Legend has it that the tower's wooden cross has supposedly exerted miraculous powers in repelling raiders from the sea.

Remnants of similar triangular towers can be found in a number of other places along the coast of Bohol, such as Panglao, Dauis, Loay, and on Pamilacan island, but this tower is the most intact.

Today the Punta Cruz watch tower still provides an excellent view. The site now offers a small stall for buying drinks and snacks and makes a good spot for a picnic and a swim -- although you'll have to watch out when you climb on the very sharp rocks.

From above the watchtower, one can also see the City of Tagbilaran. In a time when there was still no technological advancements in defense, the strategic locationof the watchtower in the Maribojoc Bay serves as an indication of man’s desire for security from outside threats.

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