Did you know why this Tower called “Bantay Church?“

Bantay Church Bell Tower is located in Bantay, Ilocos sur, Philippines

According to my professor, Wally Suarez, most belfries in Ilocandia are far from its own church, so that churches can not collapse in case of earthquakes. Otherwise, the purpose is to be a watchtower for pirated pirates, such as Bantay (It is also called 'Bantay').

There are churches in Ilocos made to be fortress in case with attacked Moro pirates, like other churches in Sta. Maria Laguna and Paoay, Ilocos Norte.

(View From the Tower)

(The Saint Augustine Church, commonly known as “Paoay Church“ the Roman Catholic church of the municipality of Paoay, Ilocos Norte in the Philippines.)

Therefore, Bantay tower is usually served as a watchtower for pirates back in the spanish colonial era, gave the town its name — “bantay“ meaning, “to guard“.