5 drown in Negros Occidental beach tragedy over Holy Week

Five people drowned over the Holy Week near a beach resort in Hinigaran, Negros Occidental, according to a “Balitanghali” report aired Monday.

According to the report, the casualties were a mother and her child, as well as three cousins.

The local newspaper Visayan Daily Star said the incident occurred at the Paradiso Beach Resort on Sunday.

Investigation by the Philippine Coast Guard showed that the five swimmers drowned after being carried away by a strong current.

Authorities are now looking into the possible liability of the resort's management, the “Balitanghali” report said.

The National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council's (NDRRMC) latest report showed that a total of 18 people died and 64 more were injured during the Holy Week break, with the majority of the fatalities dying from drowning. —Xianne Arcangel/KG, GMA News