The National Museum of the Philippines (NMP) will conduct a two-week archaeological expedition in the San Bernardino Strait, Northern Samar, starting November 5, 2025, to identify shipwrecks from the Manila Galleon Trade and World War II naval vessels. The project, in partnership with American ocean research company Allen Exploration (AEX), will initially focus on the municipal waters of Allen, Lavezares, Biri, and Capul.
The Northern Samar provincial government announced the initiative on Thursday following a courtesy visit by NMP’s Maritime and Underwater Cultural Heritage Division officials to Governor Harris Christopher Ongchuan and other leaders. According to the provincial government, preliminary research indicates at least seven potential shipwrecks in the area, which could provide significant insights into the Philippines’ maritime history. The expedition will utilize advanced sonar technology aboard the state-of-the-art research vessel Armada A86 for geophysical surveys and deep-sea mapping.
NMP has assured that any archaeological finds from potential excavations will remain the property of the Philippine government, ensuring the preservation of national heritage. This commitment builds on NMP’s previous success, such as the recovery of the Manila Galleon San Diego shipwreck off Batangas, which uncovered over 34,000 artifacts and enhanced understanding of 17th-century maritime history.
The San Bernardino Strait, separating Luzon from Samar, is historically significant as a perilous passage during the Spanish Galleon Trade in the 1500s, leading to numerous shipwrecks. It also served as a key battleground during World War II, particularly in the 1944 Battle of Leyte Gulf.