Despite swimming ban, people from Baseco still bathe in Manila Bay

People from Baseco Compound in Tondo, Manila continued to bathe in Manila Bay over the weekend despite a ban on swimming in its waters, according to a report by Athena Imperial on GMA News' Unang Balita on Monday.

Barangay tanods were in the area but could only prevent people from littering, not swimming.

"Hindi naman mapipigil ang mga tao eh," said Sabdullah Blah, a barangay tanod.

One of the children swimming said the waters are a bit clear and good for swimming.

"Masarap nga po diyan eh. Malamig. Medyo malinaw," she said.

A woman said they flock to Manila Bay to swim since they do not have to pay to do so. She also said they are not afraid of getting sick due to pollution.

Manila City Administrator Jojo Alcovendaz said Baseco is included in the swimming ban but admitted no penalty has been set for those violating the ordinance.

"Ipinagbabawal po ang paglangoy sa Manila Bay mula po sa kalsada ng Cortabitarte (Quirino) hanggang doon sa dating Pier 7 (Tondo)... Sa ordinance, bawal lang. Wala ngang penalty eh," he said.

The Department of Environment and Natural Resources said it will not close the Baseco side of Manila Bay to those who want to stroll around and get fresh air.

However, they do not recommend swimming since the waters are still polluted. 

"As of the moment kasi, mataas pa rin ang coliform level niya ano, wherein kung sakaling meron tayong open wound, malaki ang possibility na magkaroon tayo ng infection. And at the same time, hindi po safe para sa kalusugan ng tao 'yan especially kapag na-intake po natin, nalunok po natin 'yung tubig," DENR Undersecretary Benny Antiporda said. —KG, GMA News