Seven people were involved in drowning incidents across the Philippines as of 6 a.m. on Good Friday, April 3, the Philippine National Police reported. PNP chief Police General Jose Melencio Nartatez Jr. said the cases occurred in various swimming areas.
MANILA, Philippines — The Philippine National Police reported seven drowning incidents across the country as of 6 a.m. on Good Friday, April 3.
Police and rescue units were dispatched to various swimming areas, said PNP chief Police General Jose Melencio Nartatez Jr.
"This Holy Week, more than 99,000 police personnel have been deployed nationwide, including 7,700 at beaches and resorts, 12,400 at pilgrimage sites and churches, and 20,000 at airports and seaports," Nartatez said in a statement.
He urged the public to avoid risky water activities during the holiday weekend.
The PNP also advised people to secure personal belongings, follow traffic rules, and report suspicious activities to the nearest police station or the 911 hotline.
Good Friday marks the peak of Holy Week, with most religious processions taking place.
The extended weekend from Maundy Thursday through Black Saturday is one of the busiest travel periods in the country, seeing heavy passenger volumes at major bus terminals, airports, and seaports.