Bacarra: The Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) rescued a man from drowning at the Bislak River in Bacarra, Ilocos Norte, on Tuesday while carrying out its intensified monitoring of tourist hotspots across the country.
According to Philippines News Agency, PCG press officer Joy Gumatay reported that the incident is the first near-drowning incident monitored by the agency amid Oplan Biyaheng Ayos: Semana Santa 2026. Following the rescue, an initial investigation revealed that the victim was under the influence of alcohol when he attempted to swim in the river.
'The PCG reminds the cottage owners in the area to strictly enforce the no swimming policy for all rivergoers under the influence of alcohol,' the PCG said. Oplan Biyaheng Ayos is the government's inter-agency effort to secure the country's land, sea, and air transportation gateways and thoroughfares from March 28 until April 5 to ensure the safety of the public during Holy Week.
As part of the program, the PCG deployed approximately 17,000 personnel nationwide, with a particular focus on ports, waterways, and nautical highways.
