Rizal barangay urges public to avoid spillway crossings after man swept away
Barangay San Rafael in Montalban, Rizal, urged residents and those from neighboring barangays to observe the temporary restriction on crossing spillways after a man was swept away by strong currents on Thursday, Aug. 6.
Man rescued after being swept away by strong currents while crossing a spillway in Barangay San Rafael, Rodriguez (Montalban), Rizal. (Screengrab from Barangay Captain Judith Cruz/Facebook)
CCTV footage showed two individuals crossing the spillway from Barangay San Isidro around 12:30 p.m. As they walked along the middle of the spillway, the man, identified as Eduardo, was gradually pushed toward the edge by the strong current until he lost his balance, fell into the water, and was swept away.
Barangay Captain Judith Cruz said the man was immediately rescued by barangay personnel and the Municipal Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office (MDRRMO) of Rodriguez (Montalban).
He was safely rescued and immediately taken to Ynares Hospital for medical treatment. Cruz also called on the man's family to proceed to the hospital.
“Muli pong nananawagan ang Pamahalaang Barangay ng San Rafael na mahigpit na sundin ang pansamantalang pagsasara ng mga spillway. Ang mga hakbang na ito ay ipinatutupad para sa kaligtasan ng lahat (The Barangay San Rafael once again urges the public to strictly observe the temporary ban on crossing the spillways. These measures are being implemented to ensure everyone's safety),” the barangay said.
The barangay added that even if the water appears shallow, strong currents can lead to tragedy in just a matter of seconds, especially when it is raining.
"Huwag pong ipagsapalaran ang inyong buhay (Please do not put your lives at risk),” it reminded.