Search for ‘Rudy’ takes a backseat

Efforts to retrieve the body of Rudy Diaz from a Manila Water pipeline have been temporarily halted after frogmen conducting the search were recalled by the Philippine Coast Guard to reinforce teams involved in the Corregidor sea collision recovery operations.

Joel Lacsamana, corporate communications director of Manila Water, said, however, they will continue to de-water the 3.4-kilometer pipeline, which stretches from Project 2 in Quezon City to San Juan. They will continue to do so until the water reaches a level that is safe for frogmen to once again search for the corpse.

"Although we have de-watered the pipeline substantially, we conduct further de-watering up to the level that will ensure the safety of the frogmen when they resume operations," he said.

After de-watering, Lacsamana said, they will drill a hole on the 1.5 meter-wide pipes to make it easy for frogmen.

He noted that since the water pipeline crosses through cities and creeks, there are varying terrain that go as deep as five to seven meters.

He stressed it may not be possible for them to de-water the pipes completely.

Lacsamana said he cannot ascertain when retrieval for the body of Diaz would resume, noting that the rescue and recovery operations at the collision site of the two passenger vessels seemed equally difficult.

"But it’s okay. We do not want to rush this anyway. We want to do this slowly but surely," he said. "For the meantime, we will make the pipes safe for the frogmen and so when they return to search for Diaz’s body it would also be easier."

Meanwhile, Manila Water has reduced the number of barangays still experiencing water service interruptions. At the same time, the water service concessionaire assured the public anew that the water it distributes to customers is clean and safe.

Normal water supply has been reported in Barangay Pinagkaisahan in Quezon City while limited incidence of "no water" to "low water pressure" has been reported at Barangays Kristong Hari and Kalusugan located along E. Rodriguez Avenue in Quezon City.

Manila Water continues to deploy static tanks and mobile tankers in strategic locations within these two communities to address the localized service disruption. Priority has been given to hospitals, clinics, schools, and day-care centers.

Last week, Diaz, of Escopa 3 Bliss, Barangay Escopa, fell into an air vent of Manila Water while picking fruits with five others in a backyard of a relative in Bignay street, Barangay Quirino.

According to his companions, they saw Diaz jump from the two-meter high concrete wall to the adjacent roof of Manila Water. But on his third jump, the cover of the chamber collapsed, causing him to fall into the ventilation area.

Lacsamana explained that air vents are used to push water efficiently throughout the network’s distribution system.