Metro Manila (CNN Philippines, April 10) — More than 70 deaths due to drowning were reported during the Holy Week break, according to the Philippine National Police (PNP).
In an update on Monday, the PNP said 72 people died of drowning as of April 9. Most of the incidents happened in the Calabarzon region with 19 deaths. Ilocos region followed with 14 deaths, while Central Luzon and Bicol regions had 10.
During an interview with CNN Philippines’ Newsroom Weekend on Sunday, PNP spokesperson PCol Jean Fajardo said some of the drowning victims were minors.
“Nakita natin sa report, particularly ‘yung mga minor po, napabayaang naglalangoy sa dagat at biglang napunta doon sa malalim na bahagi. ‘Yung iba naman po sa swimming pools,” she added.
[Translation: We saw in the report, particularly the minors, they were left on their own to swim at sea and they suddenly found themselves in deep water. Others drowned in swimming pools.]
The PNP official urged adults to always keep an eye on children while swimming.
