It has been observed that there is indiscriminate anchoring/mooring of barges and other waterway equipment to structural members of bridges, which has caused considerable damage thereto and which may result in the loss of life and/or property.  The anchoring/mooring of barges, ships or boats to any portion of bridges or superstructures of bridges is punishable under Presidential Decree No. 1916 which provides, among other things:

"SECTION 1. It shall be unlawful to moor barges, ships or boats to any abutment, pier and/or superstructure of bridges.

SECTION 2. Any owner/operator found violating this Decree shall, upon conviction, suffer the penalty of imprisonment of from one year to two years or a fine of P10,000.00 or both at the discretion of the court, and shall in addition be held liable for the cost of repair/construction of the damaged portions of the bridges to the satisfaction of the government."

In order, therefore, to ensure the safety, longevity and effective usefulness of these bridges, it is directed that warning signs be posted on all bridges, including riverwalls.  These warning signs shall be in either English or Tagalog or any local dialect.  Hereunder are samples of these warning signs:

"ANCHORING/MOORING OF ANY TYPE OF WATERWAY EQUIPMENT OR CRAFTS TO ANY PORTION OF THE BRIDGE AND RIVERWALLS IS STRICTLY PROHIBITED. - DPWH"

"BAWAL MAGTALI O TUMIGIL NG MATAGAL ANG ANUMANG PANG-HAKOT O SASAKYANG PANG-TUBIG SA ANUMANG BAHAGI NG TULAY O PADER NG ILOG. - DPWH"

For compliance not later than 30 March 1991.

Adopted: 21 Mar. 1991