A heritage consultant has raised alarm over the potential destruction of World War II-era anti-tank barriers known as "dragon's teeth" in Sityo Mainit, Barangay Pangan, City of Naga due to an ongoing flood control project.
Legal Violations and Official Warning
Jose Eleazar Reynes Bersales, Consultant on Heritage and Culture for Cebu Province, issued the warning on Friday, November 21, 2025, stating that the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) project violates heritage structures protected under Republic Act 11961.
The law requires government agencies to consult with the National Commission for Culture and the Arts (NCCA) and National Historical Commission of the Philippines (NHCP) before implementing projects that could affect cultural properties. Bersales confirmed that DPWH did not conduct the required consultations, though he received a message from an engineer promising future compliance.
"Ignorance of the law excuses no one," Bersales emphasized, noting that both NCCA and NHCP are preparing letters to DPWH and the contractor ordering work stoppage.
Historical Significance Under Threat
The "dragon's teeth" barriers were constructed by Cebuanos before the Japanese invasion in April 1942 under the United States Army Forces in the Far East (USAFFE). These concrete pyramids were designed to block enemy tanks along the single road connecting Cebu City to Toledo and Naga.
Despite currently being in Japan, Bersales has been informed that work in Naga has temporarily stopped. However, this isn't the first instance of such historical structures being threatened by development projects.
Pattern of Heritage Damage Across Cebu
Similar barriers in other cities have already suffered damage from various infrastructure projects. In Talisay City, several barriers fell into the Lagtang river during previous road widening projects.
History researcher Marben Bascon confirmed that many barriers have been destroyed through road widening and river works. From an original 80 structures, only 30 remain today, including those relocated along the riverbank.
Talisay City Government has had an ordinance protecting these structures since 2014, while in Toledo City, the barriers and pillboxes remain intact with ongoing negotiations to purchase land for preservation.
The situation highlights the ongoing tension between development projects and cultural heritage preservation throughout Cebu province.
