CAVITE - Kaybiang Tunnel will not be open to tourists anymore, the provincial government announced on Wednesday (March 17).
In a Facebook post, Governor Jonvic Remulla said the local government unit (LGU) has been receiving a number of complaints regarding the traffic, amount of garbage, and even tourist scuffles in the area.
Last weekend, a video showing a brawl between riders within the area went viral on social media.
Starting March 19, the parking of vehicles, eating, taking selfies, and loitering will be banned in the Kaybiang Tunnel vicinity. Bike riders will not be allowed to use the tunnel for leisure purposes and blowing vehicle horns while passing over the 300-meter stretch will also be prohibited.
To ensure the implementation of the new policy, police checkpoints will be placed in Tanza, Naic, Maragondon, and Ternate.
Remulla said an executive order will be released regarding Kaybiang Tunnel regulations.
The tunnel became popular among motorcycle riders and cyclists in 2020, when the less-restrictive modified general community quarantine (MGCQ) was imposed. From an average of 200 weekly visitors before the coronavirus disease (COVID-19) pandemic, the number of weekend tourists swelled to 2,500 per week.