At least two youths have died after drowning in floodwaters this week, said Pampanga Governor Lilia Pineda on Friday, August 28.

Pineda said that a 17-year-old in Apalit reportedly drowned after swimming in floodwaters.

The victim had thought the water was merely waist-deep, but fell into a deep hole presumably concealed by muddy waters, she explained.

The incident prompted her to call a meeting with the captains of submerged barangays, ordering them to issue an ordinance prohibiting children from playing in floodwaters.

“Meron (na casualties) kasi pinatawag ko nga ‘yung mga kapitan. Pinababayaan nilang maligo ‘yung mga bata sa baha. Pinagbawalan ko sila. ‘Gumawa kayo ng kautusan na bawal ang bata magligo sa baha.’ Pero nalunod, kasi naligo siya, hindi niya pala alam, akala niya, hanggang baywang lang, mayro’n palang hole na malalim,” she said during an interview on DZRH program Balansyado.

A second fatal drowning incident was also recorded.

“Tapos ‘yung isa naman, nag-dive din, naligo din, sinasadya, e. Kaya hindi na ako nakatiis, pinatawag ko na lang sa mga kapitan na mayroong mga lubog na barangay,” Pineda said.

During the meeting with the barangay captains, the governor said she had warned them about the children contracting leptospirosis.

Not only could they catch the deadly disease from contaminated water coming in contact with open wounds, but also if they accidentally swallow water from playing in it, she warned.

Earlier, Pineda said she had implemented a preemptive, forced evacuation following a red rainfall warning from the state weather bureau on Friday.