Body still stuck in pipeline after two weeks

After two weeks of searching for the body of Randy Diaz, who fell into the ventillation chamber of the Manila Water Co. Inc. (MWCI) in Project 2, Quezon City, rescue teams still have not given up the search.

"We have covered only one-third of the pipeline in seven days," the MWCI said yesterday.

Joel Lacsamana, MWCI corporate communications director, said they "still have a little over two kilometers of searching" to do inside the 1525-mm diameter mainline.

"The retrieval operations will definitely continue. Although we would all like swift action, we have no idea when this thing will finally be over. The safety of the divers come first," Lacsamana told The STAR.

Frogmen from the Philippine Coast Guard were called in to retrieve whatever remains of Diaz’s body but so far they have covered only one kilometer per week.

"We have outlined key points inside the line where we guess Diaz’s body is located. This was done so the frogmen would not have to swim around the pipeline for a long time," he said.

The divers started the retrieval operations last May 23 inside the ventilation chamber in Bignay St., Project 2, where 19-year-old Diaz fell into a week before at the backyard of his relative’s house.

Manila Water is currently utilizing water cameras to enable them to view the pipeline and keep track of the frogmen’s movements. The water concessionaire has also assured its customers that the water is still safe and potable.