Swimming in Manila Bay can be hazardous to health

Yes, the Philippines has many lovely beaches to offer tourists. But no, Manila Bay is not one of them. The Manila city government issued this reminder Monday as it warned that the bay waters are filthy, radio dzBB's Carlo Mateo reported. Thousands of residents have sought relief from the summer heat by swimming in the contaminated waters of the bay, especially during Holy Week. City administrator Jay Marzan said the city government will deploy police teams to the area to discourage residents and visitors from swimming in the dirty water. The city government also plans to post signs warning of the contaminated water. Marzan pointed out the city had enacted City Ordinance 3827, which bans swimming in the bay. Also, the administrator pointed out the Department of Health had issued its own warning which said the bay was contaminated by garbage and toxic items. — DVM/HS, GMA News