Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) Secretary Jonvic Remulla revealed on Tuesday that the primary cause of deaths during the Holy Week is drowning due to intoxication, and sought to prevent more similar incidents from occurring.

Remulla explained that individuals would host drinking parties at the beach at night, and, once drunk, take a dip. Unfortunately, this has led to fatal accidents, with some instances wherein the victims’ bodies were found the next day.

“Ang number one cause of fatalities during Holy Week is public intoxication in the beach areas. Nag-iinuman ‘yan hanggang alas-diyes, alas-onse, lasing na lasing, sabay sasabihin nila, ‘Swimming muna tayo!’ Last year, umabot tayo ng walo ang nalunod,” the Interior secretary said.

He later clarified that although authorities will not be penalizing drunk beach-goers, they will do their best to keep them from the water by 10 p.m.

“Ide-deploy rin namin ang PNP at Coast Guard sa mga dalampasigan natin na para ipaliwanag at ipagbawal ang swimming pagkatapos ng alas-diyes,” he said.

On Tuesday, the DILG, along with the Department of Transportation (DOTr), Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH), and Philippine National Police (PNP) held a joint press conference to address concerns about transportation and traveler safety during the Holy Week.