Finding the Fire Control Station on Cochinos Point was one of our trip
objectives. Due to security guards near a 'someday to be built' resort,
our only access to this Point was via boat. Arrangements had already
been made so on the second day off we went.
This Fire Control Station which faced the South China Sea served as
another set of eyes for the harbour defenses of Manila Bay. We did not
know its exact location but Glen Williford of the CDSG provided a
probable description of the station. He said:The
station would be an 8-foot square 'cube', buried up to the slot which
runs along the seaward side. Probably entry through a manhole-like cover
directly on top, but maybe a step-down into a rear entry door. In any
event much won't be sticking above ground, particularly from the rear
where it would be mostly flush to the ground level.
The most likely location for such a station is where you can see the
best. The highest hills on top of the Point would be looked at first. As
it turned out, the station was easy to find plus we also came across two
other structures.
Cochinos Point is located at the western side of the entrance to
Mariveles Harbour. (Google Earth photo)
View of Cochinos Point taken from the opposite side of Mariveles
Harbour.
Using the GPS software again, here is the location of the three
structures we found that day. (1) The Fire Control Station known as B IV
3, (2) a small nearby building I labelled as Quarters and (3) Datum
Point 7. (Google Earth photo)
Leaving the dock in Mariveles we can see Cochinos Point in the distance.
Due to many cliffs along the point, we were uncertain of how to find the
easiest route to the top. We got lucky with our first stop. It was steep
with little to hold onto but not dangerous. Within minutes we were up
there heading for the higher ground.
This is the view back towards Mariveles from where we landed. The old
volcano, Mount Mariveles, is on the horizon.
On top of the point looking directly
across Mariveles Bay.
Looking SE along Cochinos Point. Corregidor Island is to the left and La
Monja Island is straight ahead.
This is the view looking across Cochinos Point SW to the South China
Sea.
Looking inland (NW), here is high ground that we checked out first.
Here it is. Nearly hidden among the grass and bushes is the Fire Control
Station.
A bit later Karl and his bolo attacked the vegetation so we could get a
good look at the station. Glen's expectations of what we would see were
very accurate. The roof is missing but all four walls still remain. The
seaward side with the large viewing area is oriented south. There is no
doorway but as Glen mentioned, I can see remnants of a steel ladder in a
rear corner. Access was via the top down the rear wall.
Side view of the station. The seaward side is to the right. The large
viewing area included half of both adjacent walls. The ladder was on the
rear wall at the top left corner.
Standing above the rear wall, looking
seaward.
Side view of the station. The seaward side is to the right. The large
viewing area included half of both adjacent walls. The ladder was on the
rear wall at the top left corner.
Great views up here. It is hot but the strong breeze feels good.
From the Fire Control Station another hill can be seen. We can see
concrete on it too. Note the concrete directly in front of us.
We didn't bother cleaning this out. It has four low concrete walls and a
broken concrete floor. My guess is it was quarters for the station
personnel. It is located below the top of the hill just 37 meters from
the Fire Control Station.
On the second hill the concrete we saw turned out to be four pedestals.
The site looked like it had been for a radio tower. Later I received
information from a friend saying that the four concrete pedestals are
mounting blocks for 'Datum Point 7'. This may have been in the form of a
beacon i.e. a metal frame work supporting a steel post with a target on
top. This would have then been visible from Corregidor and used as a
known reference point for surveys and map making.
Two of the four pedestals at the top of
the hill.
Time to enjoy the scenery. A freighter
leaves Manila Bay.
Looking further up the coast, here are
two of the "Points".
A closer view of Talaga Point in the foreground and Hornos Point behind
it.
Looking back towards Mariveles.
This land bridge prevents the Point from
becoming an island.
Time to head back. I am on the Datum Point hill looking back to the hill
where the Fire Control Station is located. Above the it you can see
Corregidor Island. La Monja Island is to the right. This photo gives you
a view all the way across Manila Bay, you can just make out the hills of
Cavite.
At the top of the grassy slope where we will go descend to the beach.
Our ride back to Mariveles waits below.
The hillside levels out a bit but you still have to be careful of
tripping over rocks hidden in the grass.
Almost at the beach.
After returning to Mariveles, we had an afternoon left so we headed
towards the coast west of there. We visited a little village at Biaan
Bay and later walked the trails overlooking Longos Kawayan Point. The
'Battle of the Points' had been fought in this area. These images are on
the following page.
