To deter suicides: Higher railings eyed for 2 bridges

CEBU, Philippines - The Mactan Cebu Bridge Management Board (MCBMB) is not in favor of the idea of installing tall razor barbed fences along the two bridges connecting the cities of Mandaue and Lapu-Lapu in order to deter suicide attempts in the area.

The board instead is eyeing the suggestion of possibly increasing the height of the railings of the bridge to address the concern.

The suggestion to increase the height of railings was raised by Lapu-Lapu City Mayor Paz Radaza during the MCBMB meeting last week.

“I believe that the barbed wire does not add beauty to our bridge. But we can put up additional railings or heighten to avoid jumpers sa bridge,” she said during the meeting, as she commended the Provincial Board for expressing their concern over the numerous suicide incidents at the bridge.

In October this year, the PB, through a resolution, asked the cities of Mandaue and Lapu-Lapu to study the possibility of putting up barbed wires to prevent jumpers at the bridge.

“Both bridges connecting Mactan and Mandaue is a popular choice for suicide attempts considering its height and its accessibility. One way to prevent another suicide attempt is to install barbed fences which would be difficult for people to climb or jump over,” read part of the Provincial Board’s resolution sponsored by Board Member Arleigh Sitoy.

The PB added that putting up a fence would be an added safety feature “although, admittedly, it would be an eyesore to some.”

The MCBMB noted the suggestion of Radaza to improve the railings of the bridge.

“That would be a good project to pursue. We look at it and hopefully we can implement it next year,” said engineer Pericles Dakay, MCBMB vice-chairman.

In October, a 44-year-old woman died after jumping off the Mandaue-Mactan Bridge and landed on a concrete footing of the bridge. 

 MCBMB funds the utilities at the old bridge and the Marcelo Fernan Bridge, including the installation of closed-circuit television cameras and a paging system. The body also completed some of its projects for the bridges like the replacement of rubber expansion joints at Marcelo Fernan, restoration of three paging systems, while the repair and installation of cameras are ongoing.  (FREEMAN)