The Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) will not close Manila Bay dolomite beach to the public despite the reported crowding over the weekend.
To address crowding amid the recent easing of mobility restrictions, the Philippine National Police (PNP) has already beefed up its enforcement to secure the area.
“Inatasan ko na ang director ng MPD [Manila Police District] na magdagdag ng pulis sa dolomite area ng Manila Bay upang tiyakin na nasusunod ang minimum public health safety protocols,” PNP chief Gen. Guillermo Eleazar said.
Eleazar said they are working with the DENR and local government for a proper system in the area, especially for the minors reportedly visiting the artificial white beach.
However, authorities said controlling the crowd remains a challenge despite additional manpower and security personnel deployment. Around 800 individuals were reported visiting the beach on Monday (Oct. 25) despite the rainy weather.
Authorities have already adjusted the entrance and exit points, while only allowing a by-batch entry with each batch allocated five minutes to enjoy the beach.
The DENR said they will leave it to LGUs whether or not they will prohibit minors from going to the area.
Malacaῆang on Monday (Oct. 25) reiterated that minors’ outside activities are limited to essential purposes.
“Hindi pa po pupuwede talagang magpasyal-pasyal ang mga bata… Nananawagan po kami sa ating mga kababayan, pandemya pa po, bagama’t bumababa po ang mga kaso natin, nandiyan pa po si COVID-19 so huwag po tayong magpabaya,” Pres. Spox. Harry Roque said.
Meanwhile, the Department of Health (DOH) called on other agencies to strictly implement safety protocols.
“Ang ating mga ahensya may responsibilidad kayo to prevent these mass gatherings. Kasi kung ganito ang ating gagawin, babalik tayo sa dating paghihigpit at ayaw po natin lahat ‘yan,” DOH USec. Maria Rosario Vergeire said.
The dolomite beach, along with all cemeteries in Metro Manila, will be closed on All Souls’ Day. – Report from Louisa Erispe/AG-rir
