Manila, April 16 -- The Pangasinan Provincial Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office (PDRRMO) is urging beachgoers to heed the flag warning system placed in the Lingayen beach as part of the intensified safety measures during the Holy Week and the annual Pistay Dayat (sea festival).

In a media interview on Wednesday, Pia Flores, assistant director of the PDRRMO's Emergency Operations Center, said color-coded flags -red, yellow, green, and purple-have been installed at key points along the shoreline to guide beachgoers and prevent accidents, especially drowning incidents.

"The red flag indicates a high-hazard area where swimming is strictly prohibited due to large and dangerous waves," Flores said. "Yellow flags mark medium hazard...