Authorities are currently assessing the F. Manalo Bridge in Pasig City after it sustained damage from the collision of wayward barges and boats during Typhoon Carina.
The bridge’s girder or support structure was impacted by the collision, resulting in significant cracks and the toppling of several posts.
“We requested also na bigyan kami ng ample time to investigate yung integrity ng structure whether we can still retrofit or totally condemn,” stated Grecile Christopher Damo, project manager of the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) Unified Project Management Office – Flood Control Management Cluster.
Damo categorized the incident as an “accident,” noting that the barges were secured according to standard operating procedures.
“This is purely an accident although it’s still under investigation. Ang nangyari kasi sobrang lakas na ng current due to excessive rainfall dun sa bundok, yung mga barge natin natangay pa rin ng current ng tubig,” Damo explained.
As a result, the bridge has been rendered impassable and is temporarily closed until further notice.
Bryant Wong, Pasig City Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office chief, assured that alternative routes are available for motorists.
“What we need to do there is to get an assessment as to whether or not we can use the bridge, Marcos,” President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. said during a situational briefing with concerned agencies.
Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA) acting chair Don Artes reported that the barges and boats also struck a pumping station and flood gate, but fortunately, there was no damage, and operations remained unaffected.
The incident led to the rescue of approximately 20 people. The last individual to be rescued, John Alfred Sabado, was visibly shaken after being stranded for more than eight hours.
“May kaba kasi yung agos ng tubig is napakalakas tapos yung mga barge dun sa likod nag uumpugan dun sa may tulay,” Sabado recounted.
Sabado was taken to a hospital for medical attention.