By Ghio Ong (The Philippine Star), October 2, 2016
MANILA, Philippines – A barangay watchman died and 12 others were hurt during a cleanup drive of an estero or waterway in Ermita, Manila yesterday.
Barangay 664, Zone 71 tanod Alfredo Quijano was declared dead on arrival at the Manila Medical Center, reported the Manila Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office (MDRRMO).
He reportedly suffered cardiac arrest when the platform at the flood pumping station – which collects debris from the waterway – near the Romualdez Bridge collapsed.
Six of those injured are under observation at the hospital while others were discharged after being treated for minor injuries.
Some of those injured were identified as Jenny Soseng, Marilou Silos, Shiela Mati, Jerry Dizon, Ruel de Suloc, Joven Padilla and Edfel Arevalo.
The incident happened when personnel from the city government, barangay, Metropolitan Manila Development Authority, Department of Public Works and Highways and Department of Environment and Natural Resources were cleaning the MMDA pumping station at around 7:30 a.m.
Around 20 persons were standing on the makeshift platform, all removing trash from the estero, when it collapsed, said Angeles Bosmente, MMDA Balete pumping station plant engineer.
She stressed that before the cleanup, MMDA personnel warned volunteers that the platform could hold only three people and three cubic meters of garbage at a time.
Some of the victims were stuck in debris and garbage at the estero, but were immediately rescued.
Bosmente added that due to the incident, garbage collectors would have to ride a boat to pick up trash from the pumping station.
Meanwhile, MDRRMO head Johnny Yu said the office would recommend that the city council sue those responsible for the incident.
World Day for Safety and Health at Work
“Safety and health at work every day!”
Invoke Article 33 of the ILO constitution
against the military junta in Myanmar to carry out the 2021 ILO Commission of Inquiry recommendations against serious violations of Forced Labour and Freedom of Association protocols.
Accept National Unity Government
(NUG) of Myanmar.
Reject Military!
#WearMask #WashHands #Distancing #TakePicturesVideos
Monthly Observances:
March – Women’s Role in History Month
April – Month of Planet Earth
Weekly Observances:
Last Week of March: Protection and Gender Fair Treatment of the Girl Child Week
Last Week of April – World Immunization Week
Daily Observances:
Mar 25 – International Day of Remembrance of the Victims of Slavery and the Transallantic Slave Trade
Mar 27– Earth Hour
Apr 21 – Civil Service Day
Apr 22 – World Earth Day
Apr 28 – World Day for Safety and Health at Work
