56 deaths recorded during Holy Week: PNP

April 22, 2019

The Philippine National Police ( PNP) on Monday said they recorded around 56 deaths since the start of their Oplan Summer Vacation 2019.

Police General Oscar Albayalde, the PNP chief, said in a press briefing though there are some isolated incidents in several regions, the observance of the Holy Week was "generally peaceful".

"First, I extend the congratulations of the national leadership to all government personnel, civilian volunteers, community leaders, motorist organizations, private individuals and our force multipliers for the generally peaceful, orderly and uneventful observance of the traditional Holy Week," said Albayalde.

"It is unfortunate, however, that we mourn the loss of 56 lives and the suffering of 128 injured victims in 88 separate accidents during the summer vacation ushered by the Holy Week," he added.

According to Albayalde, 45 of the 56 fatalities drowned, with eight died in 15 separate vehicular accidents while the remaining three were from shooting, electrocution, and stabbing.

"This serves as an eye opener, possibly for agencies and organizations involved in promoting personal safety to initiate programs to develop basic drown-proofing and swimming skills as part of physical education curriculum in schools," he said.

"The recent Holy Week experience also bolsters the need to further enhance road safety awareness and continuous review of road engineering features and design to minimize accidents," he added.

Based on PNP records, drowning incidents were highest at Calabarzon region with 15 incidents where 14 died.

Police Colonel Bernard Banac, the PNP spokesperson, said they have yet to release the breakdown for vehicular accidents.

Albayalde said most of the crimes committed were theft as some who were on vacation left their things unattended.

Although alert conditions in some regions have been considerably downgraded, Albayalde ordered personnel manning Police Assistance Centers to remain in their posts until after all travellers have returned to their destinations.

"As we speak, 24,779 PNP personnel remain deployed in 4,732 Police Assistance Centers situated in strategic locations along main thoroughfares and travel routes, and in vital installations and mass transportation terminals to assist travelers returning to the urban centers from the Holy Week holiday," said Albayalde. Ella Dionisio/DMS