Gov defends Balanan admin
Governor Emilio Macias expressed his sincere condolences to the bereaved family of Jim Jeril Geralde who died while swimming at Lake Balanan last January 1.
In an interview at DYEM Energy FM Dumaguete Tonight, Gov Macias defended the administrators of Lake Balanan saying that they were not negligent in their responsibilities that caused the accident.
He clarified that it is strictly prohibited to go swimming within the 25 hectare waters of the lake.
The governor explained that because of the vastness of the lake, it is impossible to provide a life guard and they have readily prohibited swimming in the lake. However, he confirmed that during the incident, there were no warning signs restricting the visitors from swimming in the lake. He added that they have placed warning signs but were either lost or taken away.
Governor Macias admitted that it is very dangerous to go swimming in the lake because it is very deep which according to divers has around 40 to 50 feet depth. Evidently, during the search and rescue operation, divers were having difficulties since the waters were dark because of mud. Macias said that visitors of the lake can only go swimming in the swimming pools. He also said that they are providing life vests to those who will go boating and there is a life guard but is only in charge of the swimming pool.
The governor pointed out that only the residents in the area are allowed to go diving in the lake since they are already familiar with the place and some are getting their livelihoods in the lake.
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Thu Jan 03, 2008 8:27 pm