Drowning can be prevented

THE reported ten incidents of drowning in the province in rivers and beaches during the 4-day holiday in observance of the Holy Week is lamentable.

It is one thing to be killed by a person who’s out to eliminate his victim and another to die because of one’s illness. These are beyond anyone’s control. But to die because of one’s carelessness, bravado or the absence of warning of danger is a most regrettable way of suddenly leaving behind one’s loved-ones because it could have been avoided.

As one can note in our news story, all were largely results of hubris from drunkenness, ignorance and refusal to accept inherent dangers of rivers and beaches, and absence of warning signs.

It is incumbent upon local governments and resort owners to identify areas that are unsafe for swimming or rivers that are hazardous for crossing.  And all that needs is to install huge warning signs in areas that are commonly visited. The suggestion to pass an ordinance banning drinking liquor along the beach will go a long way towards saving lives.

The setting up of warning flags and lifeguard stations along shorelines of Lingayen and Dagupan beaches are laudable and should be followed by other coastal towns.

Broadcast media can help with regular reminders about the risks of swimming if under the influence of alcohol. Statistics of drowning because of drunkenness will help illustrate the seriousness of the warnings.

Drowning can be prevented by a community if it cares enough.  Warning signs are never enough to save families from grief over a sudden death that could have been prevented.

 

The President’s Men

EVEN before he fired Coconut head Billy Andal, Irrigation chief Peter Lavina and Interior Secretary Mike Sueno, President Duterte had boasted of having already sacked 92 officials under his wings.  If you will recall, one of the President’s campaign promises was to rid the government of corruption.  After Sueno, Mr. Duterte gave the boot to Maia Valdez, Undersecretary to Cabinet Secretary Jun Evasco.

All four dismissed officials had but one defense:  “We are not corrupt.”  But one thing stood out amid the heat of emotions: Save for Valdez (a holdover from the previous administration), the rest were heavyweights in Duterte’s camp during the presidential campaign.   Andal was president of the Duterte For President Movement in Quezon Province, Lavina campaign spokesman and Sueno a chief influence in Mr. Duterte’s last-minute decision to run for president.

Indeed, there is no sacred cow among the President’s Men—thus far.

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