2 dead, 2 missing after barges, tugboats collide with Marikina River bridge during Carina-enhanced Habagat

Two people died and two others are missing after several barges and tugboats that drifted in the Marikina River collided with  the F. Manalo Bridge in Pasig City last week amid the Tropical Cyclone Carina-enhanced Southwest Monsoon.

In Mariz Umali’s report in “Saksi” on Monday, the fatalities were identified as Renato Santiago Cortez and Harold Yap.

According to Cortez’s wife Virginita, he was still able to send her a video while she was in Masbate at that time.

Cortez lost his life after he jumped into the water from the tugboat.

“Akala nung nanonood ako ng TV, wala yung asawa ko doon. Kasi sa balita, lahat ng mga ano doon sa barge, nakaligtas,” said Virginita.

(I thought my husband was not there when I was watching the TV. Because in the news, it was reported that everyone in the barges were safe.)

“Nung tumawag na sa opisina, kasama pala yung asawa ko doon sa nawawala. Halos nung nalaman namin nung araw na ‘yun, hindi na talaga kami kumain,” she added.

(But when we called the office, I was informed that my husband was among the missing. When we found out about that, we lost our appetite.)

Cortez’s widow is requesting his company to shoulder the burial expenses, including the transport of his remains to Masbate; and the education of their five children.

Meanwhile, Yap’s body was found by authorities on Sunday.

“Napakalakas ng agos by then. Isa po ‘yun sa naging dahilan upang mahirapan siya lumangoy at hindi na makalutang, kaya nasadlak siya sa pagkalunod,” said Philippine Coast Guard National Capital Region and Central Luzon spokesperson Lieutenant Commander Mike Encina.

(The current was really strong by then. That was one of the reasons why he had a hard time swimming and was unable to stay afloat, causing him to drown.)

Authorities are still looking for missing crewmen Norman Aportadora and Carlos  Bernado.

The National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council on Monday said there were 36 reported fatalities due to the recent massive floods and heavy downpours.

Of this number, 15 deaths in Metro Manila are still up for validation. —Vince Ferreras/RF, GMA Integrated News