Swimming at Hagimit and Dao Falls in Samal Island remains prohibited, at least as of this writing, due to high content of E. coli bacteria present in the water, authorities said.

The sites have been closed for rehabilitation since 2022 due to wastes thrown there.

However, people reportedly found a way to enter the falls and the Community Environment and Natural Resources Office (CENRO)-IGACOS has had a difficult time monitoring. 

“Maglisod mi usahay kay daghan kaayo’g mga entry points diri unya kasagaran didto na mi sa taas magbantay kulang mi sa tao,” CENRO-IGACOS Enforcer, Bryan Pagay, said.

The management of Hagimit Falls Nature Park has already put up barricades at all entry points.

CENRO reiterated that Hagimit Falls and its riverine were found to have high E. coli content that could bring harm to people.

“Last year, nag-conduct og public consultation ang DENR sa Hagimit area and they also tested the water and nigawas sa atong water result nga taas ang coliform count sa whole Hagimit stretch,” CENRO-IGACOS Senior Environmental Management Specialist, Engineer Kim Garciano, said.

According to the City Health Office (CHO), E. coli bacteria may cause diarrhea and dehydration.

CHO said there is a certain limit of E. coli bacteria in the water for it to be considered safe for swimming.

“Kung more than siya sa katong required na limit. For e-coli, dapat dili siya mulampas og 500 colony per unit per 100 ml so kung more than that, dili na siya maayo nga kaliguan. Kay naay mga klase sa e-coli nga pathogenic siya although most dili siya pathogenic, dili siya harmful,” CHO IGACOS Head, Dr. Dennis Flores, said.

On March 22, 2024, the local government issued an executive order closing the Hagimit riverine.