12 killed in Lenten incidents

MANILA, Philippines—Twelve people died while 531 were reported hurt in separate incidents during the Lenten break, the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (NDRRMC) said Sunday.

In a report, the council said two people were also reported missing during the annual observance of Holy Week.

Of the fatalities, the NDRRMC said seven died due to drowning, two in road accidents, two from shooting incidents and one because of a fire.

In all, the council monitored six vehicular smashups, 12 drowning incidents, six fires and eight gun-related incident during the three-day furlough.

Most of the injuries were reported during the traditional procession of the centuries-old image of the Black Nazarene in Quiapo, Manila, on Good Friday.

The NDRRMC said 490 devotees sustained minor injuries during the huge procession, which lasted several hours. At least two of those injured had to be rushed to the hospital.

In Bolinao, Pangasinan, Roland Deo, 33, a resident of Caloocan City, drowned in the seawaters of Sitio (settlement) Batog in Barangay (village) Arnedo on Black Saturday. The NDRRMC said Deo died on the way to the hospital.

On Maundy Thursday, three-year-old Blizz Eilengie Tesorio drowned when she was swept away by strong currents of Cagayan River in Barangay Dipantan, Nagtipunan town, Quirino province.