People swimming at Aringay beach, La Union province on Wednesday (Jan. 1, 2025). Three individuals were rescued from near-drowning incidents in La Union and Pangasinan on Wednesday but three others died. (Screenshot from Hiro Canlas’ FB video)
MALASIQUI, Pangasinan – Three individuals were rescued from near-drowning incidents in La Union and Pangasinan during the New Year’s celebration, but three others unfortunately drowned.
A report by the Police Regional Office in Ilocos Region (PRO1) on Thursday showed that three individuals from Baguio City were rescued from Aringay town, La Union province.
The victims, aged 14 (female), 20 (male) and 74 (male), were rushed to a nearby hospital but the oldest was declared dead on arrival.
In Pangasinan, an 11-year-old male and a 13-year-old female from Calasiao town, Pangasinan were also dragged by strong waves to a deeper part of the sea while swimming with their uncle at the Lingayen beach.
In a phone interview, Lingayen Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office (LDRRMO) deputy Kimpee Jayson Cruz said the uncle tried to rescue the minors but was only able to save his niece.
“The nephew was rescued by responding personnel and brought to the Lingayen District Hospital. He had a pulse but was not breathing, and he eventually died,” he said.
Meanwhile, a 44-year-old male resident of Binmaley town, Pangasinan drowned while swimming at the beach along Baybay Lopez in the same city.
“The relatives of the victim rescued him, and he was rushed to a nearby hospital but was pronounced dead on arrival by the attending physician,” a police report stated.
The LDRRMO has been implementing a ‘no swimming policy’ in the Maniboc and Pangapisan, Lingayen beach areas since 2 p.m. Wednesday due to strong waves.
This was after two individuals from Tarlac and Laguna drowned on New Year’s Eve at Lingayen Beach.
Cruz said they have been on red alert since the holidays as they expect an influx of people until this weekend.
“We are monitoring with the Pangasinan Provincial Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office and other national government agencies. We also ask for the cooperation of beachgoers,” he added. (PNA)
