MANILA – A total of 53 individuals were saved from drowning by first responders during the Holy Week from April 2 to 10.
In a statement on Wednesday, the Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) said there were a total of 78 drowning and near-drowning incidents during this period.
So far, a total of 21 persons died from drowning while four are still missing.
"Apat na biktima pa ang patuloy na hinahanap ng search and rescue (SAR) teams sa Antique, Camarines Sur, Leyte, at Catanduanes (Four victims are still being searched for by SAR teams in the provinces of Antique, Camarines Sur, Leyte and Catanduanes)," it said.
The highest number of deaths occurred in Barangay Dolo, San Jose town, Camarines Sur on Saturday that claimed the lives of five individuals.
On the other hand, the highest number of rescues occurred on the same day--27 individuals were rescued by first responders from near-drowning incidents in Barangay Sabang, Vinzons town, Camarines Norte.
Meanwhile, the PCG districts in Northeastern Mindanao, Southwestern Mindanao, Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao, Central Visayas, and Palawan province reported no tragic incidents. (PNA)
