Old barges left on Pasig River to be cleared

Rusting, dilapidated barges that have fallen into disuse and clutter up the Pasig River will be taken apart and removed, according to a report by Jun Veneracion on GMA News' Balitanghali on Tuesday.

Local officials including Manila Mayor Isko Moreno, Transportation Secretary Arthur Tugade and Environment Secretary Roy Cimatu set sail on the river to survey the area.

The report showed Moreno using an acetylene torch on one of the old barges to symbolize the beginning of clearing operations.

The aim of the operation is to clear the river for the Pasig River Ferry Service.

Members of the Philippine Coast Guard will tow away the barges, some of which have makeshift homes built on them. 

According to the Philippine Ports Authority, the schedule for allowing the entry of barges into the Pasig River will be from 6 p.m. to 6 a.m.

During their inspection, authorities also discovered rows of houses at the side of Pasig whose residents throw their trash into the river.

Though Moreno said the houses will be included in the clearing operations, they will look for alternative living places for affected residents. — Joahna Lei Casilao/BM, GMA News