San Juan, La Union beaches closure order lifted

SAN JUAN, La Union, Philippines — Beaches in this town reopened to tourists on Friday.

Mayor Arturo Valdriz ordered the closure on Wednesday after a 12-year-old boy and his nine-year-old cousin drowned while swimming on a beach in Barangay Taboc on Tuesday.

“After careful assessment and monitoring, it has been determined that the gale warning was lifted and levels of waves have significantly lowered,” Valdriz said in lifting the closure order.

He said there is no imminent danger to the public as the weather condition has improved.

Valdriz urged the police, Philippine Coast Guard members and barangay rescuers to remain on alert to ensure the safety of visitors.

San Juan is dubbed as the surfing capital of the North.