Drifting barge rams riverbank house

MANILA, Philippines - A barge drifted along the Pasig River and rammed through a house near the riverbank in Sta. Ana, Manila yesterday afternoon.

Manila Police District (MPD) investigators said no one was injured when the barge, named “Matimbang,” hit a perimeter fence and crashed through half the house owned by Jesus Quiazon before it stopped at around 1 p.m. yesterday. Quiazon’s house is on Martinez street.

Manila Police District Station 6 commander Superintendent Ricardo Layug said Matimbang was one of the four barges docked at the Pasig River. However, Matimbang’s rigging came loose and the vessel drifted towards the Lambingan Bridge. The other barges – named RLC 107, RLC 103, and Napindan – drifted close to Quiazon’s house, police said.

The four barges were docked at the Pasig River behind the Alchemco Philippines soap factory on Lamayan street, police also said, adding the wind and the water current caused the ropes securing the barges to loosen.

Layug said they are checking who owns the barge and charges of reckless imprudence resulting in damage to property may be filed against the owner. Layug said the incident was reported 45 minutes later.

Jerry Natalio, the barge patron, coordinated with the police but did not disclose the name of the owner.

Police coordinated with the Philippine Coast Guard to remove the barge. – Sandy Araneta