Radaza alarmed at rash of suicide attempts at bridges

CEBU, Philippines - Lapu-Lapu City Mayor Paz Radaza yesterday said she will meet with the police and officials of barangay Pajo and Pusok to discuss the security measures being enforced at the Mandaue-Mactan Bridge and the Marcelo B. Fernan Bridge.

Radaza made the announcement following an incident that involved an allegedly disturbed man who jumped off the Mandaue-Mactan Bridge last Wednesday and landed on a fisherman below.

The man survived the plunge but the fisherman died.

Radaza said the security measures and the protection of the bridge are the sole responsibility of the Mactan Cebu Bridge Management Board but she finds it necessary to take steps to put a stop to these unpleasant incidents since a good number of them happen at the Lapu-Lapu side.

“Angayan usab nga sa atong side duna kita’y buhaton para mabantayan ang atong duha ka bridges,” Radaza said.

Aniano Berdin, 30, of barangay Babag Lapu-Lapu City, Cebu, jumped off the bridge with the intention to end his life.

Sure, he hit the water but he also hit Danilo Sison, 59, who was spear fishing that night.

Sison, a resident of barangay Pajo, Lapu-Lapu City, died a few minutes after arriving at the Mactan Doctor’s Hospital.

Berdin could only show a bruised right eye.

Police have prepared charges against Berdin, who is now detained at the Station 3 of Lapu-Lapu City Police Office.

On the other hand, the Capitol will give P5,000, a sack of rice, and a box of canned goods to the family of the fisherman who was killed.

Governor Gwendolyn Garcia yesterday instructed Provincial Social Welfare and Development Office chief Marivic Garces to facilitate the assistance.  (FREEMAN)