Claim that 11,000 tourists use Cabcaben-Corregidor

[EXO]

Tourists use Bataan port for voyage
By MAR T. SUPNAD
Manila Bulletin: July 14, 2010

CABCABEN PORT, Bataan — A top official of the Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) disclosed that around 11,000 tourists – foreign and local – have visited the historic Corregidor Island for the past one year alone using this small but strategic port in Mariveles, Bataan.

Lt. Geronimo B. Tuvilla, station commander of Coast Guard whose area of command includes Bataan and Corregidor Island, told Rep. Abet S. Garcia, (2nd District, Bataan), and Mayor Jesse I. Concepcion that most of the tourists prefer to take the launching pad here since this is the nearest port in going to Corregidor Island.

“It is just three nautical miles away from here to the Island and the nearest access is here, so the visitors prefer to take Cabcaben Port which is more comfortable and safe,” pointed out Tuvilla. Cavite is seven nautical miles away.

The Coast Guard commander also informed Garcia and Concepcion about the rich historical background of Cabcaben Port that used to be the garrison and station of the Spanish soldiers during their rule in the country, saying “Corregidor Island was no doubt part of Bataan during that time.”

The Island, however, has been under the political jurisdiction of Cavite province which is farther in terms of nautical miles and historical value.

Travel hours from here to Corregidor takes only from 20 to 30 minutes.

[Karl Welteke]

I believe the boat operators have to turn in a piece of paper to the Coast Guard on the island when they arrive with the names of the passengers. So the Coast Guard should have a pretty good count. CFI also should have a pretty good count since they collect island entrance fees from the boat passengers.