Coast Guard to secure Manila Bay for swimmers

By Evelyn Macairan (The Philippine Star)
MANILA, Philippines – The Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) will deploy divers and use rubber boats to ensure the safety of families who are expected to flock to Manila Bay today, despite warnings from the city government against swimming in its polluted waters, an official said yesterday.

“I think the city government of Manila has already warned the public not to swim in the Manila Bay. The PCG people would be present in the area to assist the local government in implementing its regulations,” PCG spokesman Lieutenant Commander Algier Ricafrente said.

He said they will deploy divers from the PCG’s Special Operations Group and use rubber boats and an Interceptor vessel to patrol the coastline of Manila Bay from the United States embassy to the Cultural Center of the Philippines.

Ricafrente said if those who go to Manila Bay ignore the city government’s warnings, the PCG will just “ensure the safety of the swimmers.”

People who swim in Manila Bay’s waters could contract skin diseases, dysentery, typhoid fever and gastroenteritis.

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