4 illegal drainage pipes found in Manila Bay

MANILA, Philippines — Environment Secretary Roy Cimatu has ordered an inspection of Manila Bay after four illegal drainage pipes have been discovered discharging untreated wastewater directly into the bay.

Cimatu ordered officials at the Department of Environment and Natural Resources to trace the establishments to which the culverts were connected and penalize them.

A drainage pipe was first discovered at Station 640 along Manila Baywalk.

Analysis of water samples showed the fecal coliform count in the area was at 50 million most probable number per 100 milliliters. The acceptable level is 100 MPN per 100 ml. Three more illegal pipes were found later.

—Jhesset O. Enano