TABUK CITY, Kalinga (PIA) — Local authorities in Tabuk City are closely monitoring the Chico River this Holy Week to ensure the safety of residents and visitors gathering along the riverbanks for picnics and other leisure activities.
The Tabuk City Police Station, the City Disaster Risk Reduction Management Council, the barangays and other concerned agencies in the city continuously conduct roving patrols at the Chico River line to minimize drowning incidents this Semana Santa.
Authorities said drowning cases tend to spike during holidays as large crowds flock to the river.
To reduce risks, the public is urged to refrain from bringing and consuming alcoholic beverages at picnic sites as intoxication is a leading factor in past drowning incidents in the river.
Picnic-goers are also being warned against swimming in deeper sections of the river as the river current remains strong. In addition to the river patrols, monitoring activities are being conducted at swimming pools and other bodies of water in the city.
Meanwhile, the police have increased visibility in transport terminals and places of worship to maintain peace and order during the observance. As of this writing, no untoward incident has been reported. (RGA-PIA CAR, Kalinga)
