Coast Guard: ‘Too many’ drowning incidents during Holy Week

MANILA, Philippines – There were “too many” incidents of drowning during the Holy Week break, the Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) said Monday, March 28.

“Masyadong marami ngayon (there were too many incidents this time),” said Commodore Armand Balilo, PCG spokesperson, referring to the 15 fatal drowning incidents across the country last week.

Of the 15, at least 5 each were recorded in Negros Occidental and Calaca, Batangas. The other incidents happened in Pasig; Subic; Ilocos Sur; and Taal Lake.

In Hinigaran, Negros Occidental, 5 people – including 3 minors – drowned during a family outing Sunday, March 27, at the Paradiso Beach Resort, after they were swept away by strong currents.

Lieutenant Commander Ramil Palabrica, chief of the PCG-Bacolod, identified the fatalities as Mary Dane, 49, and Jefferson, 24, both surnamed Disocos; and Nikka, 15, Kian, 13, and Kimberly, 12, all surnamed Betilla, all from Bacolod City, while the survivors were Jane Rose Tabligan, 11, of Binalbagan town, and Wiljohn Brillo, 16, of San Enrique.

Swimming drunk

In Ilocos Sur, 17-year-old Alvin Saupan drowned after he swam while drunk on Saturday, March 26.

In an incident in Calaca, Batangas, Lorenzo Kyle Boa drowned Thursday, March 24, while relatives who tried to rescue him also drowned.

The number of drowning incidents is higher compared to last year, according to the PCG, with most of the incidents blamed on the victim being drunk, or on other people not knowing how to swim.

Some incidents were due to people swimming in prohibited areas.

To help prevent more drowning incidents, especially as people flock to beaches over the summer season, the PCG appealed to the public to keep an eye on their companions when they head for a swim, especially children.

The agency is also coordinating with resort owners to have licensed lifeguards and put up safety warnings and signages in their properties. – with a report from Marchel Espina/Rappler.com