MANILA, Philippines — The Department of Health (DOH) yesterday reported 284 road traffic accidents amid the rush this Holiday season.

The incidents were recorded from Dec. 22 to 27 in eight pilot sites under the DOH “BiyaHealthy” campaign for a safe Christmas celebration.

Of the total number, 53 people who figured in the accidents were found to be under the influence of alcohol while driving. Also, 196 involved motorcycles and 249 did not use safety accessories, such as a helmet.

Tabamo, last assigned at the Tantangan Municipal Police Station in Tantangan town in South Cotabato, has not reported for duty for a long time and was facing an administrative suit for absence without official leave, his friends and relatives were quoted as saying in reports by different radio stations in Central Mindanao on Saturday morning.

The DOH issued a stern reminder to motorists not to drive when tired or intoxicated, saying it will cause a person to lose control of his faculties or behavior.

“We can avoid road incidents if we don’t drink and drivemega dice, regardless of the distance or if you are driving two or four wheels,” DOH Assistant Secretary Albert Domingo said.