City gov't: Swimming in Manila Bay dangerous to your health

The city government of Manila on Monday reminded residents that swimming in Manila Bay is prohibited.

"May ordinance na nagbabawal sa lahat ng mga residente at mga bata na lumangoy sa Manila Bay," Dr. Ben Yson, acting health officer of the Manila city government, told GMA News' Balitanghali.

Yson made the call as the dry season and school break nears.

The health officer also said that it's no longer safe to swim in Manila Bay because of its "risky" coliform level.

"May konting halo ng dumi ng tao. Ang coliform organism sa Manila Bay lagi siyang medyo risky level," he said, adding that the coliform level in the area has always been risky in the past 15 years.

He said people who would risk swimming in the bay may get skin diseases, typhoid, Hepatitis A, cholera and severe diarrhea.

Yson said that the Manila Police District is expected to deploy policemen along the Manila Bay area to enforce the ordinance.

"Alam ko po 'pag simula ang summer season at simula na ang bakasyon ng mga bata, ay babantayan ng Manila Police District dahil may mandate sila na sawayin ang mga residente at mga bata [na maligo sa Manila Bay] sapagkat hindi na po safe at puwedeng magkaroon sila ng karamdaman," he said.

Yson, meanwhile, announced that the city government has rehabilitated public swimming pools in Pedro Gil, Dapitan and Tondo.

He said that the swimming pools in these areas have lifeguards and are well-maintained. —ALG, GMA News