SAN FERNANDO CITY, La Union (PIA) – The La Union Police Provincial Office (LUPPO) will implement crowd control measures to ensure the safety and security of tourists visiting the province’s attractions during the 2025 Holy Week holiday.
Colonel Heryl Bruno, LUPPO provincial director, said the goal is to ensure that proper safety standards are upheld while still preserving the experience of tourists and other guests.
“We are working closely with local officials and beach resort owners to ensure that the influx of visitors is manageable and that safety remains a priority,” Bruno said.
LUPPO aims to minimize drowning incidents, especially as tourists are expected to flock to popular beach destinations across the province.
Major Lawrence Ganuelas, LUPPO information officer, said they have already coordinated with resort owners to post hazard warnings, emergency contact details, and safety instructions in prominent areas.
Ganuelas added that resorts must ensure that first-aid kits and life jackets are readily available for emergencies.
He also advised beachgoers to strictly adhere to safety protocols to avoid untoward incidents during the holiday.
“We urge all beachgoers to be cautious when swimming, especially in areas with strong currents. It is important to always swim within designated areas and follow safety instructions,” Ganuelas said.
Frances Villanueva, a resident of Agoo, La Union, commended the proactive measures of the police in ensuring the safety of both residents and visitors.
“It is welcome news, as we, as a family, visit local sites like the Agoo Eco Park along the Agoo coastline during Holy Week,” she said.
Data from LUPPO show that 13 drowning incidents were recorded in the province from Jan. 1 to April 1, 2025, prompting the implementation of additional measures to improve safety.
According to the La Union Provincial Tourism Office, April recorded the highest number of tourist arrivals in the province in 2024.
La Union registered a total of 56,194 tourist arrivals in April 2024, accounting for 10 percent of the 539,834 total visitors to the province last year.
San Juan, La Union, dubbed the “Surfing Capital of Northern Philippines,” received the highest number of tourists in 2024, with 211,234 visitors. (AMB/CCMT, PIA La Union)
