HOLY WEEK

LINGAYEN—No drowning incidents were reported in the province’s beaches during the April 17-20 Holy Week, a peak season for beachgoers.

“We met our target of zero drowning incident,” said Fernando De Guzman, officer-in-charge at the Provincial Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (PDDRMC).

However, the police recorded two drowning incidents, one in a river and another in a private resort. The police said this is lower than the six they recorded last year.

Avenix Arenas, PDRRMC spokesperson, said they have already talked to local government units to strengthen their programs to closely monitor not just the coastal areas but also riverbanks.

De Guzman said visitors in the Lingayen beach alone reached around 10,000 on Good Friday.

There were several near drowning incidents but water search and rescue (WASAR) teams were able to immediately respond to the situation, according to De Guzman.

Meanwhile, there were incidents of jellyfish sting, but teams from the provincial health office (PHO) were on hand to provide medical assistance, De Guzman added.

PISTA’Y DAYAT

With the coming Pista’y Dayat on May 1 and the rest of the summer season, De Guzman reminded beachgoers to refrain from venturing into the deep portion of the beach not only to avoid the risk of drowning but the jellyfish as well.

“Tumupad tayo sa mga patakaran sa beach front…may signages tayo… ‘yong mga pinagbabawal ‘wag ng gawin,” De Guzman reiterated.

The PDRRMC has coordinated with the coastal municipalities and cities, including the barangays DRRMCs, to implement safety policies in the beaches.

The PDRRMC’s operational plan for the summer vacation tagged ‘Oplan SumVac’ is also being implemented from April 5 to June 1.

Oplan Sumvac is being undertaken in coordination with different government agencies such as the Pangasinan Provincial Police Office (PPPO) and Philippine Army (PA), Philippine Coast Guard, Philippine National Police-Maritime, PHO, Bureau of Fire Protection (BFP), and the General Services Office (GSO).

OTHER INCIDENTS

Meanwhile, the police reported that crime incidents slightly declined during this year’s Holy Week compared to last year.

Based on data provided by information officer Ryan Manongdo of the Pangasinan Provincial Police Office (PPPO), there were seven shooting incidents this year for the period April 14-20, 2014, one less than the eight recorded from March 25-31, 2013.

Likewise, robbery incidents declined from four last year to three incidents this year.

However, the number of vehicular accidents and petty crimes increased from 56 to 80 during the period on review.

“Most of these were vehicular accidents and traffic violations so we believe we’re still successful dahil bumaba ang statistics sa significant incidents,” claimed Manongdo.

In Manaoag, no incident was reported despite the almost one million devotees who flocked at the popular pilgrim site.

Meanwhile, Manongdo assured the public of sufficient police visibility and response to ensure security during the summer vacation with Oplan SumVac.

“We have optimized our resources through proper designation,” he said adding that if need arises, augmentation from higher headquarters is ready.–Johanne R. Macob with report from PIA1-Pangasinan

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