19 dead in Cagayan Valley Holy Week mishaps

SANTIAGO CITY, Isabela, Philippines — Twelve people drowned and seven others died in road accidents in Cagayan, Isabela and Nueva Vizcaya since Thursday.

Lt. Col. Chevalier Iringan, Cagayan Valley police spokesman, said eight drowned in Cagayan, three in Isabela and one in Nueva Vizcaya.

Police said the latest drowning victim in Cagayan, Glemar Erro, failed to surface after diving from a cliff in Fulay river in Barangay Sta. Margarita in Baggao town on Sunday.

Erro was pronounced dead on arrival at the Baggao District Hospital.

Chevalier said drowning incidents in the region increased by 11.11 percent compared to the same period last year.

Meanwhile, Chevalier said road mishaps that left seven people dead occurred in Isabela.

Philippine National Police (PNP) chief Gen. Oscar Albayalde said the increase in the number of deaths due to drowning should serve as a reminder to concerned agencies and organizations to enhance safety measures and security awareness.

Albayalde said programs to develop ”basic drown-proofing” and swimming skills should be part of physical education curriculum.

Police said 56 deaths due to drowning, road accidents, shootings, electrocutions and stabbings were recorded across the country since April 5.

Despite these accidents,  Albayalde said the observance of Holy Week across the country was generally peaceful. – Emmanuel Tupas