Philippines: Newly-discovered cave reveals untold secrets

Manila: A hidden gem has been unearthed in a rural village near Cagayan de Oro. The images reveal a stunning cave accidentally unearthed during a road widening project for a new bridge.

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Local media recently reported that construction workers stumbled upon a remarkable cave, most likely untouched for millennia. Discovery of this "time capsule", was initially reported by news site metrocdodev.com on July 15, 2024.

Photos circulating on Facebook, thanks to Lyn Dagsangan, offer a glimpse into a remarkable discovery near Cagayan de Oro City on the main southern island of Mindanao.

The cave's pristine formations are actively growing, offering a rare glimpse into the Earth's dynamic processes, according to the City Local Environment and Natural Resources Office (CLENRO).

The cave was found in Barangay (village) Dansolihon. This exciting discovery has captured the imagination of locals and holds immense potential for scientific exploration, research, and future tourism opportunities.

Christine Camba, officer-in-charge of the protected areas division of the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) in Northern Mindanao, expressed her enthusiasm: "There’s water dripping, suggesting an ongoing formation. This excites us.”

Caves in Cagayan de Oro

The DENR said that Cagayan de Oro, the 10th most populous city in the Philippines, is home to about a dozen caves, and the newly-discovered one in Barangay Dansolihon is not currently included in their official records.

The City's Environmental and Natural Resources Office emphasises the importance of protecting these natural wonders:

Cave Habitat: Republic Act 9147 ("Wildlife Resources and Habitat Conservation Act") recognizes caves as protected habitats for wildlife and forests.

National Treasures: Republic Act 9072 ("National Caves and Cave Resources Management and Protection Act") declares caves and their contents as national treasures.

Cave access restrictions

For the cave's preservation, Section 6 of RA 9072 mandates a one-year waiting period after notifying the DENR of a new cave's location.

During this time, experts assess the cave's suitability for public access (tourism) or further scientific study.

Prohibited activities in caves

Section 7 of RA 9072 outlines prohibited actions within caves:

Violators of these laws face imprisonment (2-8 years) and/or fines (Php 20,000 - Php 1,000,000, or $17,160) depending on the severity of the offense.

Those who order the destruction or removal of cave resources face harsher penalties (6-8 years imprisonment and/or Php 500,000 - Php 1,000,000 fine).

Current cave access status

Entering the newly discovered cave in Barangay Dansolihon is strictly prohibited at this time, according to local officials.