Baguio mayor clarifies no lockdown, postpones mass gatherings

Baguio City Mayor Benjamin Magalong clarified that the city is not on lockdown, stating that only government-sponsored events attracting large crowds have been postponed as a preventive measure against the 2019 novel coronavirus.

This clarification addresses conflicting statements, including one from Defense Secretary Delfin Lorenzana that suggested the Mayor had imposed a city-wide lockdown for tourists and visitors.

The Mayor had previously dispelled rumors about confirmed novel coronavirus cases in Baguio and denied claims that the Philippine Military Academy (PMA) had canceled its homecoming event.

Magalong assured the public that the city government, through its task force, received a briefing from the Department of Health (DOH) which did not mention any infected individuals visiting Baguio.