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Post by Deleted on Feb 20, 2007 2:17:57 GMT 8
For everyone's information, the Corregidor Foundation issued this memorandum sometime last month to one of its concessionaires.
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Post by Deleted on Feb 20, 2007 18:11:27 GMT 8
I smell a rat with this one. Sure sounds like the management style that EXO said he doesn’t agree with. - CFI knows fully well that Corregidor thrives on managed tourist arrivals. That's why FAME has been putting up memorials that they hope would continue to be compelling reasons for WW2 veterans and their kin to continue visiting via sentimental or heritage tours.
- However, CFI also knows fully well that these veterans are fading away fast and that their next of kin are not as predisposed to keep coming back as the veterans themselves did during their younger years. Pretty soon, this “traditional" market will all be gone (If they don't know this by now, I don’t know if they ever will).
- CFI also knows fully well, that the "new market" product experiments conducted in the mid-90s at the instance of their main concessionaire Sun Cruises were meant to attract the younger, active adventure travel market and that these experiments were extremely successful and subsequently upgraded to full travel package product/service by the concessionaire.
- CFI cannot deny that it encouraged and fully supported the "new market" shift, even providing research data and manpower for the island-wide exploration of Corregidor and the opening of some 20 kilometers of backcountry hiking trails for the purpose of developing tour itineraries that went through and involved the exploration of ruins, gun emplacements, tunnels, etc. (tourists enjoyed doing this).
- CFI cannot also deny that it had encouraged, approved and supported new innovations and approaches to the Corregidor experience including F&B events and functions that utilized the island's unique features and locations (including the ruins) and that these innovations produced a chain-reaction of extremely successful overnight and multi-day corporate group bookings over many years.
- CFI cannot deny further that after seeing how successful this new market shift had become, it attempted to operate its own adventure experiential program by consulting with the same team that developed the previous one, constructing obstacle and physical challenge courses, and even went to the extent of operating competitive ferry and bus tour services. SO IF CFI BELIEVED THAT WHAT IT WAS DOING THEN WAS RIGHT, WHY IS IT REVERSING ITSELF NOW?
- Safety-wise, CFI cannot deny the fact that Sun Cruises and its contracted outfitters have employed world-class safety management and emergency response programs in many of its more demanding experiential events, more so because these have been conducted around, among and within war-damaged structures ... from deployment of a stand-by Lifeline medevac helicopter and professional paramedic teams ... to safety assessments by licensed international experts who rate off-shore oil rigs. So structural integrity of ruins that were used, oxygen levels in tunnels, alternate exits, even pathogen or bacterial count in toilets and the hotel kitchen were all checked. CAN THE NHI BE ANY MORE COMPETENT THAN THIS IN DECLARING WHAT IS UNSTABLE AND DANGEROUS AND WHAT'S NOT?
- And the safety record of all these events will bear this out. Save for minor scratches, abrasions, sprains and a case of hyperventilation no serious or life-threatening incidents were ever recorded inside, among or on the ruined buildings, gun emplacements or tunnels … at least during that time. The relatively more serious accidents happened on the open roadway and the open field (which the CFI memorandum has declared as safe area?), like that child who fell off a tranvia bus, or that woman who tripped on her own foot and banged her head on the pavement. But such is adventure tourism.
THEREFORE, IT DOESN'T MAKE SENSE AT ALL FOR CFI TO TAKE SOME "MIDNIGHT ASSESSMENT" BY THE NATIONAL HISTORICAL INSTITUTE (NHI), IF EVER THE NHI DID MAKE THAT DETERMINATION, THAT ALL, REPEAT ALL WW2 RUINS ON THE ISLAND ARE "UNSTABLE AND IN DANGEROUS STATE" .... JUST LIKE THAT? CFI SHOULD BE IN A MORE AUTHORITATIVE POSITION TO MAKE AN ENGINEERING-SAFETY ASSESSMENT BEING THE GUARDIANS AND MAINTAINERS OF CORREGIDOR, NOT THE NHI. WHY THEN IS IT TRYING TO HIDE UNDER THE SKIRT OF NHI? Really, what did CFI's executive director seek out to achieve by issuing the foregoing superfluous prohibitions? Doesn't he realize that while he is collecting rent, he is tying the hands and feet of his primary concessionaire and preventing it from realizing the full potential of its investments? Doesn’t that seem like ECONOMIC SABOTAGE? With all these prohibitions, what will overnight tourists end up doing? Stare out the window of their hotel rooms? With NHI’s declaration and CFI’s subsequent prohibitions, they’ve practically admitted that both offices have failed miserably in protecting the precious relics of this historic battlefield. These were not "unstable and in dangerous state" last year, year before last, 10 years ago, right? This is also tantamount to issuing a NEGATIVE TRAVEL ADVISORY on Corregidor Island, a case of shooting one’s self in the foot. He has in fact SIGNED THE DEATH WARRANT of Corregidor Island as a sustainable tourism destination. As to why Sun Cruises has not said anything about this yet ... well, they've got a business to run and protect and that's their business (see page 1, reply #5).
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Post by Deleted on Feb 20, 2007 20:59:59 GMT 8
It just strikes me as very odd that all of a sudden, they want to keep people away from the ruins.... and the trails.
Now, this wouldn't have anything to do with our nosing around the ruins and taking pictures, would it? [/color][/size] ;D
Considering what used to be allowed in the past, CFI's blanket declaration that all ruins are unsafe raises a lot of questions. BUT, to say that "...all outdoor activities diverting from the usual daytour itinerary shall be limited to CFI declared safe and secured areas as a matter of policy. These areas are south beach front, Youth for Peace grounds, and Topside parade grounds only", is inconsistent with its preceding statement that "In view of the unstable and dangerous state of all building ruins on Corregidor Island....".
By declaring that all OUTDOOR activities are to be limited to the so-called safety of South Beach front, Youth for Peace grounds, and Topside parade grounds, aren't they in fact saying that all other areas in the island are unsafe? Isn't the regular day tour an OUTDOOR activity? Sure, the tourists ride in tranvias (buses), but these are merely conveyances to allow tourists the opportunity to go out and walk around the batteries, monuments, ruins, etc.
How can the ruins or gun batteries be considered "unsafe" for some types of activites, and yet be considered "safe" for people doing the regular day tour? They might as well not allow tourists to get off the buses at all!
The trails are another thing. What is so dangerous about them? What in the world is going on in the island's wooded areas?.
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Post by EXO on Feb 23, 2007 14:03:29 GMT 8
I think that the use of the terms "negative travel advisory" and "death warrant" is a tad to the burnt side of the toast.
The prohibition of the listed activities is being limited to eight metres of the ruins, and the activities referred by this correspondence are those which "may endanger life and limb." I don't see that as a blanket prohibition. There's room there.
In prior visits to Corregidor, I always took pleasure in being aware of features (trails, bunkers and tunnels) which were not generally known. I still do. "Rock Knowledge" is a rather esoteric pleasure that only a few enjoy. Yet I can't object to portions of this knowledge being made available to the general public, because I was part of the general public once. What's safe for some us unsafe for the general public.
I use the word "safe" advisedly. From the moment one gets off the ferry, Corregidor is not a safe place - in the sense that Disneyland is safe, Corregidor isn't. You can injure yourself there in numerous ways, and easily too, whether or not you're experienced. Practices which in the Philippines rate not even a second look, would give a plaintiff-lawyer in the USA a twinkle in the eye. (Don't get me started on Philippine stairways!) Corregidor couldn't operate under a US-style legal system - the liability waivers would be so thick, you'd not be able to jump over them. The improvement of safety standards on Corregidor is one of several steps in a positive direction, but I sincerely hope that the island does not find itself sanitised into a boring walk in the park. During my recent visit to the island, I actually tagged along on an inspection by CFI of two proposed trails - the Battery Smith tunnel to the Battery Hannah trail, and the RJ43 to the top of Malinta Hill trail. These had been prepared for inspection and approval by CFI, and clearly contemplated orderly hikes.
The "Malinta Hill Summit Trail" had been upgraded from it's condition of previous years, with safety ropes installed in all awkward sections. Except for one area - where the acrylic guideropes had run out and jungle vines used as a substitute - the trails allowed more traffic in greater safety than in prior years. I objected to the use of the jungle vines as a rope, and I understand that they are to be replaced prior to being approved for 'tour use'.
I urge consideration of a three level system of trail classification. General, advanced and "with escort", or some other progressive system which takes into account that some trails really shouldn't be attempted without experienced supervisors. I have seen classifications which are based upon "heightened/moderate or severe heart & respiratory exertion will be required" measures, but for the life of me can't recall where.
As for what's happening in the wooded areas, well I had unlimited access to wherever I wanted on the Rock - and yes, I saw the charcoal operation. I was astounded by the destructive force of the recent typhoons - there were trees uprooted everywhere, and landslides too. The winds even managed to break the ropes on the old Spanish flagpole, a feat I would have considered impossible. But with all the trees uprooted, a charcoal operation is one positive way to get rid of the downed timber.
As for the sanctity of the batteries, I do think that choice of word is a little strong - it's not been hallowed by blessing of the church, though it has been made sacred by the sacrifice of blood and life- so definitely there is a dignity in the Memorial Zone that one needs to take into account, and which CFI does have the right to remind us of. So for the maintenance of a semblance of dignity in the Memorial Zone at least, lets consider that there are places which should be accorded a greater dignity of the graveyard and battlefield. There's a place for everything, one just needs to find the proper place.
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Post by Deleted on Feb 24, 2007 1:14:38 GMT 8
EXO, I’m wondering as to what kind of elbow room you are referring to. Is that your interpretation, or CFI’S? First of all, let's get the facts straight. The regular day tour package of Sun Cruises normally includes a guided bus tour AND a lunch at the Corregidor Inn (Hotel). Similarly, the overnight tour package includes one lunch. Extra meals for tourists or visitors are not included in the package, and are paid for on a case-to-case basis. For those who may not be familiar with the daily guided bus tours in Corregidor Island, the lunch being referred to under these two standard packages of Sun Cruises is served at the Corregidor Inn / Hotel. This lunch, therefore is NOT served at the ruins, or any other shrine or monument on the island. CFI used to allow meals to be set up and served in and around ruins as part of an enhanced Corregidor experience. These two standard tour packages have of course, a TOURING or sightseeing component, and include visits to different places around the island. Normally, tourists are allowed to get off the tranvia bus, and walk around these sites. Here are the places in Corregidor that one sees during the regular tour: (not necessarily in this order) - Lorcha Dock (take pictures beside MacArthur's Statue) - Malinta Tunnel North Entrance (drive-by only) - Optional Malinta Tunnel Light & Sound Show (get down from bus, go into tunnel) - Japanese Garden of Peace (walk around the Garden, take pictures) - Filipino Heroes' Memorial (view the bas-relief sculptures and statues) - Middleside Barracks (Get off bus. Take pictures by the roadside only) - Battery Way (explore the main courtyard and bunkers. Take pictures) - Mile-Long Barracks (get down from bus. Take pictures by the roadside only) - Pacific War Museum/Cine Corregidor (go inside the museum / Cine Corregidor) - Pacific War Memorial (from the Dome of Peace, walk all the way down to the --Eternal Flame) - Spanish Plaza and Lighthouse (walk around the place. Climb the lighthouse) - Battery Hearn (Take a peek inside the bunker. Take souvenir pix.) - Battery Grubbs (Climb on the upper deck. Enjoy the maginificent view of Mt. Mariveles. - Battery Crockett (Check out the second level) - Battery Geary (Get up close to the remnants of its mortars) All these certainly qualify the "guided bus tour" as an OUTDOOR activity! Note: Sometimes, the lack of time causes one or two of these sights to be knocked off from the itinerary, and a simple drive-by is done instead. POINT NO.1: HIKING AND WALKING ARE PRACTICALLY THE SAMENormally, tourists are allowed to get off the bus and wander around Battery Way, Battery Hearn, Battery Grubbs, Battery Crockett, Battery Geary, and most of the sites in the itinerary. Sometimes, they even have the opportunity to get really close to Mile Long Barracks. I'm sorry, but for the life of me, I can't tell the difference between hiking through these aforementioned batteries, and "walking around" them tourist-style. To me, simple hiking and walking are awfully similar. I walk when I hike, and I hike when I walk. Therefore, the ban on "hiking" in and around the ruins necessarily covers even simple walking, wandering around, sauntering, loitering, traipsing, chasseing, standing around, or whatever term CFI would want to use. Is CFI trying to ban only certain people and groups who do special activities from these areas? Please don't take this observation personally, but you, having been allowed virtually unlimited access to the island, are the best example of this type of selective enforcement of rules by the CFI. Would they have permitted other people to hike around the island (much less escorted by them!) the way you were allowed to? POINT NO. 2: CONCESSIONAIRE’S TOUR PACKAGES HAVE OUTDOOR ACTIVITY COMPONENTS.Notwithstanding the fact that Sun Cruises describes its tour packages as "guided bus tours", the walks that tourists take when they go around the ruins in the course of the tour(s) are definitely outdoor activities. If and when they are able to drive the tranvia buses INTO the ruins, and keep the tourist inside the bus during the whole tour, then maybe I will admit that these regular tours are not outdoor activities. And then again, ALL the ruins are supposed to be dangerous! Why even bother driving into them? If the ruins are as dangerous as CFI claims them to be, why, they shouldn’t even be allowing tourists to set foot on them! So, as I said in my previous post, what makes these ruins so dangerous for "hiking", but not for "walking" or "touring"?. Are not hikers better versed in trail craft and traversal of different types of difficult terrain? If eighty or ninety-year old veterans can walk around these ruins safely, why can't someone younger, (who probably has the right training and conditioning for far more strenuous activities, anyway) be able to conduct himself or herself in a safer manner? POINT NO. 3: A SWEEPING STATEMENT. CFI says "Similarly, all outdoor activities diverting from the usual day tour itinerary shall be limited to CFI declared safe and secured areas as a matter of policy. These areas are south beach front, Youth for Peace grounds, and Topside Parade grounds only." Here, CFI declares that ONLY these three aforementioned areas are safe for outdoor activities. Since the packaged tour activities are OUTDOOR in nature, then, they fall under this restriction. What this means is that they have been allowing tourists all this time to wander around these DANGEROUS ruins. This is the inconsistency that I pointed out in my previous post. If ALL the ruins are unstable and dangerous, why even allow anyone to set foot on them? The eight-meter “safety zone” being established by CFI should therefore be applied even to tourists doing the day tour. And then again, there are only three really safe places, right? So the eight-meter rule is zilch. Because of safety concerns, Sun Cruises’ new day tour package will probably consist of exciting walkthroughs of the Parade Grounds, scenic forays into the Youth For Peace grounds, and the mind-bending vistas of South Beach front.
POINT NO. 4: CFI JUST KILLED THE OVERNIGHT MARKET. We've also heard that CFI has banned the Night Lateral Tour, or walks in the moonlight, or whatever island-type stuff that used to be allowed. So what is there left for one to do during an overnight stay? If I recall right, the only place that could really be classified as dangerous in the Malinta Tunnel is in a spot in the 1000-bed Hospital Lateral (this is somewhere near the North Entrance). Why can't they just cordon off this specific area? Why shut down an excellent tour product like this? - april thunder By the way, just like any other tourist destination, Disneyland has had its own share of accidents. Please refer to this link: www.disneypix.com/forums/index5.php
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Post by wandel cross on Feb 25, 2007 13:38:24 GMT 8
Please don't take this observation personally, but you, having been allowed virtually unlimited access to the island, are the best example of this type of selective enforcement of rules by the CFI. Bullseye! It is common knowledge that CFI has been granting special privileges to certain "foreigners" who visit Corregidor on a regular basis. I'm particularly curious about what this guy, Tom Aring, whose pictures are the subject of a link in this thread, does in the island during two successive 10-day visits within or a little over just a month. How many more "extended" visits has he made in the past and for what? To photograph storm damage? Why, is he connected with some meteorological agency or something? Is he a storm chaser? But there were no storms during the two times that he visited the island for 10 days each. As a tourist, I've stayed overnight in the island a couple of times, longest was maybe 3 nights and that's about what my sanity and pocketbook would allow. If Aring is a legitmate tourist/visitor, Corregidor certainly needs a thousand more like him, don't you think? Or is he "one of a kind?" Damn my dirty mind, I can almost hear CFI reasoning out that this guy is some contractor doing work in the island. Like that other guy Dan Howell, who CFI allowed to live in the island and collect artifacts. But some people are saying that he actually carted away the more significant and precious items and left behind junk like soda bottles, buttons and a bowling ball in his shack in James Ravine. If that's the case, then he is no better than the thieves who chip away at the buildings and rip off the metal bars, and so are these suspicious foreigners who ride the tide of local corruption and actually contribute to the cancer that's been eating up Corregidor Island for decades.
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Post by EXO on Feb 27, 2007 11:49:47 GMT 8
I don't accept that a quotation of "Please don't take this observation personally", followed by that content which has followed it, excuses what is essentially an unprincipled personal attack. What "common knowledge"? Such bunk! The island is there for anyone to make landfall and access is equal, and for all. I was not given "virtual" access to the island - I was given absolute access, unqualified by any term or condition, except my tired feet and the thought of a cold beer welcoming my return. When I was reintroduced to Corregidor in 1998, one of it's better known survivors (and long-time students) warned me never to accept as fact the " common knowledge" of Corregidor. It was such "common knowledge" that begat Suicide Cliff, Btry Reyson, the Battle of Morrison Hill, caves filled with Japanese booty, and treasure maps. There were people who, if asked a question concerning the island that they could not answer, would conjecture - but pass off as fact. We seem to have an echo of that here - hearsay and conjecture attempting to pass itself off as fact. Tom Aring has been a long term regular visitor to Corregidor, and is a voracious Corregidor scholar. He is building up an expertise based upon extensive readings of first-person memoirs, contact with veterans, and actual " foot on the ground" knowledge of the island. His knowledge is not based upon supposition, fancy, guesswork, conjecture, chismis or " common knowledge." He is a private citizen, present on the Rock prior to and throughout the course of the most recent typhoon, shut in with all the rest. If Tom is a storm predictor, he's the world's best - his time on target was fixed months before the typhoon. Based upon the shallow measure of " nights on the island", Tom's sanity has remained on the high side of integrity. Throughout the several years I have known him, Tom has maintained a sufficient sanity not to dignify venal criticsism, either incoming and outgoing. He's got the sharpest pair of eyes I have shared a trail with, for several years. Capt. Danny Howell is a decorated combat veteran, a long term student of Corregidor, and now a published author concerning the 4th Marines experiences there. In the course of his research, he has interviewed many USMC veteran Survivors, and has scoured the libraries of the US for knowledge of Corregidor. Much of what is known about Corregidor is known to us because of him. Danny was never one to suffer fools and the foolish, which is why he tends to keep himself to himself. He donated what he found to the Corregidor Museum, which would be a very bare collection were it not for his efforts. He's also returned Japanese bones to a Japanese survivor of Corregidor, for appropriate disposal. It's a measure of Danny's fairness and expertise that he even knows a Japanese survivor of Corregidor. A further example of the knowledge that "Captain Daniel" has passed through to us - the tunnels dug into the floors of the bathrooms of Middleside were dug by members of the 4th Marines - not treasure seekers. It is also obvious to anyone who has met him, that "Captain Daniel's" lifestyle is not the result of hidden treasure that he has taken from Corregidor, but of years of investing his own funds in honourable pursuits there. His greatest hope, he told me once, was to find the answer to whether there was a work party of US prisoners caught in a Japanese tunnel when the Rock Force arrived on 16 Feb 1945. He wanted to see their remains laid to a final rest. I also note the use of the " some people say" device by the querist, an well utilised (and abused) journalistic device to excuse a lack of any personal knowledge, attributable authorities and reliable sources. Also a little " guilt by association" thrown in there too...plus a serving of xenophobia ("suspicious foreigners who ride the tide of local corruption") getting thrown in there as well, further to inhibit accurate and dispassionate scholardhip. "Lets blame it all on the dirty foreigners, and on Philippine Corruption!" Say, what about us adding President Bush to the mix, he's being blamed for everything else in the world too, why not the parlous state of Corregidor? I have a sign above my desk which used to warn navigators during the bomber war against Germany. It reads, "Fly a heading, not a track." Tom Aring, Danny Howell and the others have pursued their steady headings towards a more complete scholarship of Corregidor, sometimes even having to deal with storms, typhoons, crosswinds and blowhards. eXo
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Post by Deleted on Feb 27, 2007 23:43:03 GMT 8
Exo, I think you've got the issues all mixed up. The reason I preceded my statement (concerning CFI'S selective enforcement of rules) with the prequalifying caveat "Please don't take it personally", was precisely to preclude any risk of that statement being misconstrued as a personal affront. You were mentioned as an example only to highlight the fact that CFI was selective in the application of its own rules. Nothing more and nothing less. I'm not faulting you for having "absolute, unqualified access" to the island. What you do on the island, is your business, as it is CFI's to make rules and implement them . In post No. 66, you wrote: I was not given "virtual" access to the island - I was given absolute access, unqualified by any term or condition, except my tired feet and the thought of a cold beer welcoming my return.The CFI directive says:But I do have the right to question the logic behind CFI's rules and the WAY these rules are being implemented. What's unprincipled about asking questions like that? Or saying that "walking" is practically the same as "hiking", or that these are both outdoor activities, or saying that the CFI's rules have innate inconsistencies? Associating my post in any way with the succeeding one is as ludicrous as suggesting that I have something to do with junky messages of this nuisance who calls itself "REW". - aprilthunder
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Post by EXO on Feb 28, 2007 20:35:50 GMT 8
I didn't take the "don't take it personally" quote from your message as being offensive at all, Aprilthunder. Your message was in the spirit of the board, and not taken personally. It was the message of Wandel Cross which was the one which was entirely of the wrong spirit, and it was his use of the "don't take it personally" to which objection was taken, because what followed was not an objective, factual or reasoned analysis of the current affairs, but a mixture of bunk, hearsay, conjecture, guilt by association and xenophobia. I see the difference between my unlimited access to the island, and the CFI directive as essentially a simple one. Some visitors (the buffs and the hikers) are "self-guided" and others are "guided." Those brought on guided tours require a higher "duty of care" lest they be injured. Self-guided visitors, well we can break our necks or our legs and there is no issue of breach of duty or failure to take reasonable care. The normal tourists can't be taken in any area in which there is any element of risk. The issue contained in the CFI directive does not appear to involve the schoolkids who visit the island under the supervision of the Faith Academy. Those kids have sturdier feet than mountain goats! I have suggested to both Sun Cruises and to CFI that they consider classifying trails as being of a certain difficulty - to ensure that people know beforehand that a particular trail is not suitable for everyone. eXo
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Post by wandel cross on Mar 1, 2007 14:32:47 GMT 8
Hahaha! Looks like you did a "guilt by association" on poor aprilthunder yourself, EXO. I merely quoted his post but I myself NEVER SAID "don't take it personally" or didn't you notice? Tsk, tsk .. bad eyes eh. Let me quote you this time: What "common knowledge"? Such bunk! The island is there for anyone to make landfall and access is equal, and for all. I was not given "virtual" access to the island - I was given absolute access, unqualified by any term or condition, except my tired feet and the thought of a cold beer welcoming my return. BULLSEYE AGAIN!What common knowledge? OK, let's change that to "HARD FACT." It is a hard fact that many Filipinos feel and abhor being treated like second class citizens in their own country, BY THEIR OWN PEOPLE. This cannot be more evident than when foreigners (especially caucasians) are given special treatment and privileges over the locals, just because their 1 dollar can buy 48 times more than the other guy's peso (this happens everyday in hotels, restaurants and it has happened in Corregidor). One other recent example is when Presidential daughter Evangeline Arroyo stood up to an immigration officer at the Manila international airport for allowing a foreign diplomat to jump the line, and even enter the immigration box. This Maharlika isn't taking any more of that! It's the CFI, not you EXO, that they're questioning here for issuing that nebulous memorandum and it must explain. Because when you, Mr. EXO, say that you were "given absolute access" by CFI which is clearly CONTRARY to what it states that only the Topside Parade Ground, the Youth for Peace and the South Beach grounds are the allowed areas for outdoor activities DEVIATING from the bus tour, that just makes me see RED. If you yourself don't take the bus tour EXO, then anything else that you do on the island deviates from it and should be limited to those 3 designated areas (unless of course you're being treated like royalty there and given "absolute access."). And when you say that you've been on Forts Frank, Hughes and Drum but CFI, or the Coast Guard or whoever, refuse to make arrangements for some local tourist to visit the same islands because they say the Navy doesn't allow it, that also makes me see RED. Aprilthunder is right, that is clearly selective enforcement or application of rules and policy ... that is brazen descrimination and no amount of your crafty rhetoric can change that HARD FACT. But why should you get all jittery about all this? It's CFI that's on the hot seat, not you. Don't you know that you're already beginning to sound like a poor apologist for the CFI. So you say Tom Aring is an "honorable" visitor, fine. Didn't I say that Corregidor needs "a thousand more like him?" Too bad that whatever is his purpose in Corregidor was met with suspicion. Complain to CFI then for issuing such crazy edicts and making foreigners like him glow in the dark. Just the same, he should be "watched" like all the rest. But you can't stop local people from asking questions precisely because CFI has withdrawn freedom of access from certain groups but allows Aring (and you) "absolute access." About this Capt. Dan Howell, I must admit that my limited knowledge of his previous activities merely came from people that he had worked closely with on the island who took me to his old shack once. Like you, they got their information "first hand" and observed Howell up close. And yet you're so quick to relegate their's to the "conjecture and chismis" bin, while yours has become the bible on Corregidor? Not good. "Guilt by association ...," why, do you feel guilty about something? But why should you if you've done nothing wrong? And by the way, just leave George Bush out of this, ok? I think he's doing a marvelous job in Iraq. Thanks.
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