Built by the Spaniards during their heydays, the mighty Baluarte was used as watch tower and observation post by the authorities for impending danger from the sea. Not from typhoons or tsunamis, but from the Abu Sayafs at that time, the Japanese, Chinese and Moro pirates who took pleasure in raping coastal towns and settlements.
Because of its massiveness and height, the Guardia Civils are able to warn the residents of Namacpacan, the original name of the town of Luna, and prepare the peace officers to defend the properties and lives of their constituents. Like a guardian looking over its subjects, this ancient structure had served well its very purpose for countless times in the past.
Today, Baluarte stands in disarray, vertically cut in two because of eroded base and foundation, its two halves stand through concrete post supports on its sides. Like an old wounded soldier, it still stands in the pebble beaches of Luna, watching its industrious stone pickers finding a way for survival amidst the scorching hot sun. Time will come when this historic landmark will be finally and totally washed ashore, but the Baluarte which saw the Luna brothers grew, will continue to be a representation of the people of Luna, strong and united like its cemented bricks. Let’s just hope that this historic structure will still have more years to witness its people’s efforts for a better tomorrow
