LOAY. - Prehistoric artifacts, including a human skull and earthen wares, have been dug up at Sukgang Cavern, barangay Tayong of this town, by archeologists of Philippine National Museum, which, if after carbon dating process could prove that Bohol island was once inhabited by ancient people during or even before Christ. Municipal Councilor Hermes Entero of this historical town bared this during an exclusive interview yesterday at his residence in Bool, this city. His revelation was corroborated by curator Charlemeine Titangco, officer-in-charge of National Museum Bohol branch based in this city.

Philippine National Museum (PNM) archeologist Ame Garong also confirmed the ancient finds but the relics are now at the Manila National Museum for more study. She said in her e-mail reply to this writer that the NM would soon conduct a full-blown archeological digging at the site to determine the richness of the cavern, which is just a few meters across the national highway near the border of Lila town. Entero said the digging that took place sometime in July 2011 yielded relics of a human skull and wooden coffin, stone-made knives and other artifacts. Entero, however, expressed dismay that even before the digging started by the PNM, traces of ransacking of the cave by treasure hunters are evident that somehow ruin the value of the relics. He even mentioned some former town officials who were allegedly into treasurer hunt.