DOH: Not yet safe to swim in Manila Bay

MANILA, Philippines — The Department of Health on Monday advised the public against swimming in Manila Bay while efforts to rehabilitate it are ongoing, citing health issues.

“While the clean-up is ongoing, the public is strongly advised to wait until the waters are deemed safe for recreational swimming,” the DOH said in a statement.

The department issued the statement after photos of individuals swimming in Manila Bay circulated online.

The agency said it is coordinating with the Department of Environment and Natural Resources for the tests that would determine the chemical and physical quality, and coliform levels of Manila Bay.

DOH warned the public that swimming in polluted bodies of water can lead to waterborne gastrointestinal diseases such as diarrhea, cholera, typhoid, dysentery as well as skin diseases and eye infections.

“If not treated promptly, some of these diseases may lead to complications or death,” it noted.

Environment Secretary Roy Cimatu earlier said the fecal coliform level in Manila Bay is at 330 million most probable number per 100 milliliters. DENR’s goal is to reduce the coliform level to less than 270 MPN per 100 ml, he added.

According to the DOH, the safe level of coliform must be less than 100 MPN per 100 ml.

The rehabilitation of the polluted waterway kicked off last January 27. The rehabilitation of Manila would be in three phases — clean-up and water quality improvement, rehabilitation, and protection and sustainability.