By Mariela Angella Oladive
The Iloilo Provincial Health Office (PHO) reported two drowning incidents during Holy Week, both occurring on April 18, Good Friday.
Dr. Rodney Labis, head of the PHO’s Health Service Delivery Division, said the fatalities involved a 13-year-old male from Calinog and a 59-year-old male from Pototan.
The two drowned in separate incidents while swimming.
In Calinog, the teenager reportedly drowned while swimming at Malagumpit Falls in Barangay Cahigon.
According to the Municipal Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office (MDRRMO), the victim was attending an occasion and was invited by his uncle, along with other relatives, to swim at the falls.
He was only noticed missing after some time had passed.
The area, a popular tourist destination during Holy Week, is located about 13 kilometers from the town proper.
The victim was rushed to a nearby hospital but was declared dead on arrival.
Meanwhile, in Banate, a 59-year-old man from Pototan drowned while swimming in the waters off Barangay San Salvador.
The Banate Municipal Police Station reported that the victim was found floating and was rushed to the hospital, where he was pronounced dead.
Despite the influx of people at religious activities, tourist spots and swimming areas, the PHO confirmed that no heat-related illnesses were reported across the province.
Dr. Labis expressed gratitude to the provincial government, local officials and partner agencies for their coordination and support, which helped ensure a generally peaceful observance of Semana Santa in Iloilo.
Authorities continue to urge the public to follow safety measures when visiting swimming spots and other tourist destinations, especially during peak holidays.
