The Moro Watchtowers are one of the main historical landmarks of the town of Gimbal in the province of Iloilo in Panay Island. Moro Watchtowers is one of the main historical landmarks of the town of Gimbal in the province of Iloilo in Panay Island. Five fortified towers once stood along the coastline to warn the locals of the approaching Moro pirates. However, only three of the towers can be seen today - they have been meticulously repaired and and restored to their original form under the direction of the Department of Tourism. Funds are not yet available for the restoration of the remaining two.
These towers were built back in the 17th century. Then these shores were often attacked by pirates from the Moro tribe, who destroyed villages and drove the local population into slavery, and then sold them on the island of Mindanao. That's when the people of Gimbal the inhabitants of Gimbal decided to do something about the raids, so along the beautiful southern shore of the sea. Today, you can even see you can even see the ancient drums that the sentries used to beat when they recognised when they saw enemies approaching. And the towers themselves have long been a symbol of the courage and heroism of the people of Gimbal.
The local population called these fortifications "bantayan", which means "to guard". Nowadays, a cosy resort with the same name - "Bantayan Beach" - is located near one of the watchtowers.
