At least 72 people have died by drowning in the Philippines since the beginning of the month, police officials said on Monday, April 10. The high figure has been attributed to the fact of millions of individuals hitting the beach for Holy Week.
The holiday is traditionally marked in the Catholic-majority nation by millions of people leaving the capital Manila to spend time with loved ones.
A breakdown of the fatalities was not immediately available, but Colonel Jean Fajardo, the National Spokesperson had said the victims had included children who were left unattended by guardians while swimming, as well as people who hit beaches while drunk.
