MANILA, Philippines – At least 72 deaths due to drowning were recorded nationwide during the Holy Week, the Philippine National Police (PNP) said Monday, April 10.
The figure was announced by PNP spokesperson Police Colonel Jean Fajardo at a televised public briefing, mentioning the death toll as of 6 p.m. on Easter Sunday.
Fajardo said most of the drowning incidents were reported in three regions – Calabarzon with 19, Ilocos with 14, and Central Luzon with 10.
Included in the casualties were 23 minors aged three to 17 and 3 senior citizens.
The PNP spokesperson said the high toll was partly due to "revenge travel" as the country emerges from years of mobility restrictions to contain COVID-19.
"People got a bit excited to go to beaches and resorts," Fajardo told AFP.
Fajardo described the death toll "unusual" and higher than previous years.
"Resorts and beaches were packed. This also contributed to the number of drowning incidents," she added.
— The Summit Express
The figure was announced by PNP spokesperson Police Colonel Jean Fajardo at a televised public briefing, mentioning the death toll as of 6 p.m. on Easter Sunday.
Fajardo said most of the drowning incidents were reported in three regions – Calabarzon with 19, Ilocos with 14, and Central Luzon with 10.
Included in the casualties were 23 minors aged three to 17 and 3 senior citizens.
The PNP spokesperson said the high toll was partly due to "revenge travel" as the country emerges from years of mobility restrictions to contain COVID-19.
"People got a bit excited to go to beaches and resorts," Fajardo told AFP.
Fajardo described the death toll "unusual" and higher than previous years.
"Resorts and beaches were packed. This also contributed to the number of drowning incidents," she added.
— The Summit Express
