4 more drown in Luzon

MANILA, Philippines - More drowning incidents in Luzon that left four people dead were reported on Sunday.

Jose Supangan, 18, a resident of Sitio Cuala, Barangay Tagudin in Sta. Maria, Pangasinan, was crossing Balincaguing river when he was swept away by the strong current. He was declared dead on arrival at the Alaminos City Doctors Hospital. 

Another victim was identified as Noel Vino, 49, of Barangay Poblacion in Balungao, Pangasinan. He reportedly took a dip in Agno river in Barangay Sta. Rosa after a drinking spree with his friends. 

In La Union, the body of Rolly Abenoja, 43, was found floating in a river in Barangay Baraoas Sur  in Naguilian, a few hours after he was reported missing.

Danilo Albios, 60, drowned in a river in Barangay San Antonio in San Lorenzo Ruiz, Camarines Norte. Prior to the incident, the victim had a drinking spree at the house of his friend in Barangay San Antonio in San Lorenzo Ruiz, Camarines Norte.

Meanwhile, Juan Miguel Dinopra, 15, and Raymond Cabugao, 50, residents of Mangaldan, Pangasinan, were rescued when they were swept away by strong waves while surfing in Barangay Urbiztondo in San Juan also in La Union.

At least 13 people drowned, mostly during family outings in Luzon on Black Saturday. Several others drowned on Maundy Thursday and Good Friday.

2 M sea travelers

Meanwhile, the Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) said over two million people traveled by sea during the Holy Week break.

“There were still a lot of people who patronized sea craft as a means of transportation… That is why…we should continue to improve our safety and security measures,” said PCG Cmdr. Armand Balilo.

He said thousands were stranded in various ports when the PCG suspended the operation of several vessels at the height of Tropical Depression Crising. 

Balilo said ferrying of passengers by unauthorized vessels continued to be a problem. He cited a motorized boat with a single outrigger and a capacity of only six passengers that was found carrying 15.

He said many of these boats do not have life jackets, compromising the safety of the people on board. – Eva Visperas, Vic Alhambra, Francis Elevado, Evelyn Macairan