Mayor orders closure of San Juan beaches after drowning cases

Victims from Baguio, Benguet 

By Aldwin Quitasol

SAN JUAN, La Union -- The mayor of this town ordered closure of beaches and halt of water activities in this seaside municipality after drowning incidents. 
    A 12-year-old boy and his nine-year-old cousin, both residents of Kibungan, Benguet, drowned while swimming on a beach in Barangay Taboc in this town on Tuesday.
Initial reports showed the victims, who have yet to be identified, were swept away by big waves.
    The boy was declared dead on arrival at the Bacnotan District Hospital.
    Rescuers were still conducting search and rescue operations for the girl at press time.
    On Dec. 27, a 19-year-old male from Baguio City drowned at a beach in Barangay Urbiztondo, also in San Juan.
    His companion went missing with no update provided yet by local police.
    In Pangasinan, Aira Mae Velasquez, 13, drowned while swimming on a beach in Barangay Nibaliw Vidal in San Fabian town.
    In his executive order 23-2023, San Juan Mayor Mayor Arturo P. Valdriz, said San Juan beaches should be closed to avoid further incidents.
    He said according to PAGASA report, the municipality is experiencing northeast monsoon or "amihan" winds which produces higher level of waves intensified by strong currents in the West Philippine Sea.
    He said the extraordinary water condition in the municipality waters poses risk to beach goers which could lead to drowning. -- With reports by Cesar Ramirez and Jun Elias