PCG: Ban swimming in Pasig River

MANILA, Philippines - The Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) urged local government units (LGUs) along the Pasig River to beef up their information campaign to stop residents from swimming in the contaminated river after the recent drowning of three people.

The PCG reported yesterday that three floating bodies were recovered in the vicinity of Jones Bridge in Manila.

PCG spokesman Lieutenant Commander Algier Ricafrente said that last Friday they received reports of three drowning incidents near Jones Bridge.

Ricafrente said the PCG in coordination with LGUs should intensify the information campaign on the hazards of swimming in the polluted Pasig River and even in Manila Bay.

He explained that the PCG has many restrictions and lacks personnel and ships to patrol and monitor residents swimming in the Pasig River.

The LGUs should also do their share in taking care of their constituents, he said.

Ricafrente warned residents against swimming in the Pasig River and Manila Bay that are both contaminated with domestic and industrial wastes and no longer fit for swimming because of the proliferation of coliform bacteria in the water.

The PCG identified two of the drowning victims as Edrilyn Marasigan, 11, of 689 Sta. Elena, Juan Luna, Manila and Jelamel Galarita, 14, of 619 Muelle Dela Industria, Binondo, Manila.

The third male fatality is still unidentified. His body was found at the Delpan Wharf in Binondo.

The bodies of Marasigan and Galarita were turned over to their respective families, while the remains of the third male victim was brought to Saint Yvan Funeral Homes along Adriatico Street in Malate, Manila City.

“They should also not swim if they do not know how to swim, especially in the Pasig River because it is a moving current especially during low tide. If they want to swim, they should try the public swimming pools,” Ricafrente said.

He also warned swimmers that they might get entangled in the thick water lilies in the Pasig River and drown.