Unidentified vandals destroyed a large portion of a Spanish-era bridge in Quezon province that was declared a national cultural treasure by the National Historical Commission of the Philippines and is one of the province’s main tourist attractions, authorities said.
The Malagonlong Bridge or Puerta de Malagonlong in Tayabas City was reportedly found to be desecrated when tourists visited the site with local guides this week. Authorities believe it may have been damaged using a sledgehammer.
The bridge was said to have been built between 1840 to 1850 by the locals of Tayabas under forced labor, and was under the direction of Fray Antonio Mateos, a Franciscan friar who served as the town minister.
Local authorities have appealed to the public to provide information about the perpetrators, with a city councilor offering a reward.
Once caught, the vandals may be subjected to a fine of PHP200,000 (US$3,667) and/or imprisonment for 10 years.
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