Period of mourning and vigilance declared in Davao City

Davao City Mayor Inday Sara Duterte has declared a period of mourning and vigilance starting April 17 until December 31 this year.

Mayor Inday made the declaration amid the coronavirus disease 2019 (Covid-19) pandemic, which had affected a total of 83 persons in the city alone. Of that number, 16 had died but 46 others also recovered.

Under Executive Order No. 25, which she issued on Friday, Mayor Inday also ordered the cancelation of all government-sponsored events and crowd-drawing activities, including those linked to the celebration of this year’s Kadayawan sa Dabaw festival.

Speaking over the Davao City Disaster Radio, Mayor Inday said that the main events of the Kadayawan, such as the Indak-indak sa Kadalanan and the Pamulak had to be canceled. These two events are proven crowd-drawers.

“Naa gihapon ang misa ug mga minimal events pero katong mga street parties, indak-indak ug uban pa, canceled na to,” she said.

Meanwhile, the 3rd Alveo 70.3 Ironman, which was supposed to be held in the city in May, will already be held in 2021.

“Ang Ironman canceled na jud siya. It will resume in 2021,” Mayor Inday said.

She said all public gatherings and parties should also be held in abeyance until after the period of mourning and vigilance against Covid-19.

These include the extravagant celebration of fiestas and barangay founding anniversaries/Araw ng Barangay celebrations.

Mayor Inday warned that those who will defy the EO and will hold extravagant celebrations will be held accountable under Article 25 of the Civil Code of the Philippines.

“Naa man jud balaod sa Civil Code, kaning thoughtless extravagant. Mao ni ang ifile nga kaso sa ilaha,” she said.

While the commemoration of important dates and legal holidays would still be held, these should be kept short.

Mayor Inday said that private parties would still be allowed provided that these are low-key celebrations, meaning the number of guests should not exceed 25.

She also urged the private sector to consider food distribution, feeding programs, or financial assistance to their employees. CIO