The Philippine National Police (PNP) said 72 individuals reportedly died during Holy Week from April 1 to 9, with 67 of them due to drowning.

Interviewed during DZRH’s Magandang Umaga Pilipinas on Monday, PNP spokesperson Jean Fajardo said most individuals drowned due to being intoxicated.

Some died after the boat they were riding submerged in the sea while others reportedly drowned deep in the waters of the sea or swimming pool.

Fajardo reminded the public to be cautious when going to beaches or swimming pools with their families.

“Sa kababayan natin, gabayan natin ang ating mga bata. Huwag natin basta hayaan lumanggoy. At kapag nakainom ay huwag na maglangoy,” she noted.

In a separate interview, Fajardo said the total number of drowning incidents in April was higher as compared to last 2022.

She said this may be the time for authorities, particularly the Red Cross, the Department of Health (DOH), and the tourist site’s management to train personnel on how to attend to drowning incidents.

But despite the drowning incidents, the PNP spokesperson said the Semana Santa had been “generally peaceful”.