23 dead in Lenten incidents

What was supposed to be a period of reflection turned deadly as 23 people were reported killed and nearly 100 others were hurt in what the police said was a “generally peaceful” observance of the Holy Week.

The National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (NDRRMC) on Sunday said most of the victims died in road accidents and drowning incidents in different parts of the country.

In a report, the council said it recorded 36 incidents in 11 regions since the exodus of people from Metro Manila spending the Lenten break in the provinces started on April 16.

It said 12 individuals were killed in 16 separate road accidents in Ilocos, Central Luzon, Calabarzon and Bicol regions.

Nine people drowned while three others narrowly survived drowning in Nasugbu, Batangas, and in the towns of Tabuk and Pinukpuk in Kalinga province.

The NDRRMC said 11 persons were rushed to the hospital due to carbon monoxide poisoning in Catbalogan City, Samar.

In Nagtipunan, Quirino, the council said a person was killed in a shooting incident.

Despite the number of casualties, Philippine National Police spokesperson Chief Supt. Reuben Theodore Sindac said the observance of the Lenten break was undisturbed.

“Save for a few isolated incidents, the overall situation throughout the country was generally peaceful at this time,” Sindac said in a text message.