1 dead, 12 hurt in cleanup drive mishap

MANILA, Philippines - A barangay watchman died and 12 others were hurt during a cleanup drive of an estero or waterway in Ermita, Manila yesterday.

Barangay 664, Zone 71 tanod Alfredo Quijano was declared dead on arrival at the Manila Medical Center, reported the Manila Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office (MDRRMO).

He reportedly suffered cardiac arrest when the platform at the flood pumping station – which collects debris from the waterway – near the Romualdez Bridge collapsed.

Six of those injured are under observation at the hospital while others were discharged after being treated for minor injuries.

Some of those injured were identified as Jenny Soseng, Marilou Silos, Shiela Mati, Jerry Dizon, Ruel de Suloc, Joven Padilla and Edfel Arevalo.

The incident happened when personnel from the city government, barangay, Metropolitan Manila Development Authority, Department of Public Works and Highways and Department of Environment and Natural Resources were cleaning the MMDA pumping station at around 7:30 a.m.

Around 20 persons were standing on the makeshift platform, all removing trash from the estero, when it collapsed, said Angeles Bosmente, MMDA Balete pumping station plant engineer.

She stressed that before the cleanup, MMDA personnel warned volunteers that the platform could hold only three people and three cubic meters of garbage at a time.

Some of the victims were stuck in debris and garbage at the estero, but were immediately rescued.

Bosmente added that due to the incident, garbage collectors would have to ride a boat to pick up trash from the pumping station.

Meanwhile, MDRRMO head Johnny Yu said the office would recommend that the city council sue those responsible for the incident.