Davao City gov’t extends medical, burial aid to bomb victims

President Rodrigo Duterte comforts the families of bombing victims in Davao City at a local hospital. Fourteen were killed and 67 were hurt in the bombing at the popular city night market on Sept. 2, 2016 (Photo from the Presidential Communications’ Office Photographers Division, via AP)

DAVAO CITY – The victims of Friday’s deadly blast here will be given all the attention and assistance that they need, according to the city government.

Jefry Tupas, the city information chief, said on Sunday that the local government has been extending all the support that they could provide for the victims and their families.

For those who were killed, the relatives could choose the best funeral services in the city, Tupas said.

The fatalities were brought to two different funeral homes closest to the blast site.

One family has already picked a P70,000-casket, he said, and relatives of the other victims could do the same.

Tupas said the city government has also committed to defray the hospitalization of injured victims. They would get post-hospitalization services, he said.

“They can choose what they want. They will not be considered as indigents,” Tupas said.

Davao City Mayor Sara Duterte earlier expressed her regrets over the deadly bombing.

“I would also like to reassure all of them, as well as the families of those who are injured that the City Government of Davao will assist in all their needs for hospitalization, burial, funeral and day to day expenses. I am sorry for what happened,” the mayor said.

Duterte said that Davao City would not be cowed by the attack.

“We will not be terrorized by this heinous crime and I call on all Dabawenyos to unite and let us help each other rise from this senseless incident. Let us remain vigilant, please report any and all suspicious activity, no matter how insignificant it may seem,” Mayor Duterte said.

Tupas, meanwhile, said that the local government appreciated donations and pledges from groups and individuals but he advised them to directly give them to the victims or their relatives.

“The donations should not pass the city government anymore. Those who wish to give money can go directly to the victims,” he said.

The city government, through the City Social Services and Development Office, could help donors connect with the families of the victims, Tupas said.  SFM/rga