CITY OF SAN JOSE DEL MONTE, Bulacan — Gov. Wilhelmino M. Sy-Alvarado on Friday ordered the Provincial Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office(PDRRMO) to coordinate with the different water district officials in the province to inspect their water tanks and its structural integrity and make sure that they are safe.
The governor gave the instruction to PDRRM executive officer Liz Mungcal following the destructive collapse of the water tank of the city water district in Bgy. Muzon here early Friday morning where three persons, including a one year old baby girl, were killed and 38 others were injured.
Alvarado said he was informed that there are many water tanks in the city and in other parts of the province which are similar to the water tank of the SJDM Water District that caused the unexpected tragedy.
“This tragedy happened like a thief in the night. We must inspect and ensure that the structural integrity of these facilities are safe and durable,” he said.
SJDM City police chief Supt. Fitz Macariola identified the fatalities as Jimmy Garcia, 50; Jaina Espina, 1 year old and Elaine Chamson, 22, all residents of Bgy. Muzon.
Macariola said that the incident happened at around 3:30 Friday morning. Big volume of water burst and swept thru residential and a nearby police detatchment like a tidal wave according to witnesses.
Rescuers brought the injured to the different hospitals in the city where they are still under going treatment while the fatalities were recovered under debris, police investigators said.
The structure is 14 by 13 meters in height and has a 2,000 cubic meter capacity. The SJDM Water District is headed by General Manger Loreto Limcolioc.
Police are still investigating the cause of the tragic incident. —EMIL G. GAMOS