PCG revives 2-year-old boy who nearly drowned on Easter Sunday
PCG chief hails peaceful, secure Holy Week observance
A two-year-old boy who lost consciousness while swimming at a beach in Catbalogan City, Western Samar was revived by Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) personnel on Easter Sunday, March 31.
The young boy was found unconscious and floating around 10 meters from the shoreline off the Buri Baras Beach by Coast Guard personnel who were patrolling the area around 4:30 p.m., according to PCG spokesperson Rear Adm. Armando Balilo.
The PCG said the victim was with his family who were leisurely swimming at the beach. Unfortunately, they did not notice that the young boy was already swept away by the waves.
CG Seaman First Class (SN1) Joseph Antipuesto immediately performed a cardio-pulmonary resuscitation (CPR) on the victim until he gained consciousness.
The boy was rushed to a hospital for further medical assistance.
Meanwhile, Admiral Ronnie Gil Gavan, PCG commandant, commended the Coast Guardians who helped secure the sea ports and beaches nationwide to achieve a generally safe and peaceful observance of Semana Santa or Holy Week.
Based on the record of the PCG, a total of 1,292,887 outbound passengers and 1,164,749 passengers were recorded in all ports nationwide from Holy Monday, March 25, to Easter Sunday, March 31.
"I congratulate all PCG personnel for their dedication and hard work. Thank you for continuously prioritizing public service above your personal interests," Gavan said on Monday, April 1.
Coast Guardians performed various port security operations, including safety inspections, harbor and seaborne patrols, and serving as sea marshals on board passenger vessels to ensure safe voyage.
The PCG has also actively coordinated with the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) and the Philippine National Police (PNP) in ensuring public safety amid the Holy Week.
Coast Guard personnel conducted baywatch and foot patrol in beach resorts and other maritime tourist destinations to monitor the preparedness of lifeguards and availability of life-saving gears in cases of emergency.
According to the PNP, at least 29 people died due to drowning during the Holy Week.
Moreover, PCG doctors, nurses, and medical personnel provided assistance to sea passengers who experienced health-related concerns while waiting at passenger port terminals, especially amid the extreme summer heat.
PCG Auxiliary (PCGA) volunteers also assisted by providing force augmentation.
"We thank the public for cooperating with the PCG’s stricter inspections and additional maritime safety measures before departure. Rest assured that we will continue to uphold safety as our utmost priority," Gavan said.