Man rescued from stranded barge near F. Manalo Bridge in Pasig

A man was rescued at 12:43 a.m. on Thursday, July 25, after being stranded on a barge that had been swept from the Marikina River to an area near the F. Manalo Bridge in Pasig City.

Pasig City's Public Information Office initiated rescue operations for the man and reported that other individuals trapped on the same barge have already been rescued with assistance from local barangays and the Bureau of Fire Protection (BFP).

The incident was caused by strong rains due to Typhoon Carina and the southwest monsoon, which also led to flooding in Metro Manila and nearby provinces.

Videos filmed by residents showed barges being swept downstream due to heavy currents, prompting forced evacuations in Marikina City where water levels had breached 18 meters.

Despite some receding water levels in Marikina River, the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA) warned that flooding and strong rains could still persist in several regions due to ongoing weather conditions.

Pasig Mayor Vico Sotto said rescue efforts were delayed as officials had to shut off power in the area to avoid electrocution risks before securing a rappelling line from the F. Manalo Bridge to the stranded barge.

The man, who remains unidentified, was taken to a hospital for medical check-ups and first aid; his treatment costs will be covered by the barge's contractor responsible for clearing 14 other barges swept into the bridge.