Davao City to Foot Cremation Bill of 300 COVID-19 Victims

Following the lead of Pasig and Makati, Davao City Mayor Sara Duterte has announced that the city government will shoulder the cost of cremation of up to 300 COVID-19-related deaths. 

Several reports speculate that novel coronavirus victims may remain contagious hours, if not days, after death—this coming from news of forensic practioners contracting the virus. Medical professionals have recommended cremation within 12 hours of death. 

However, with the cost of cremation ranging between P25,000 to P35,000, families of victims have trouble coming up with the money within the prescribed time frame. 

Forty-seven bodies have already been cremated between Davao City's two operational crematoriums. Twelve more are pending.