Manila Bulletin
Davao City gov't to shoulder expenses for cremation of COVID-19 fatalities
The Davao City government will cover the cremation expenses for individuals who died from COVID-19 at the Southern Philippines Medical Center (SPMC).
Mayor Sara Duterte stated that this initiative aims to prevent the accumulation of bodies at the hospital, which could still pose a risk of infection.
There were 24 bodies at SPMC at the time of the announcement, with 14 confirmed COVID-19 cases, and others were suspected cases awaiting test results.
The city government decided to shoulder the costs because cremation fees are high, and some facilities have refused to handle the remains.
The Department of Health mandates that COVID-19 victims must be cremated within 12 hours of death, regardless of their test results.
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Makati City Mayor Abby Binay announced that the city government will cover the cremation expenses for residents who died from COVID-19.
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Cagayan de Oro 2nd district Rep. Rufus Rodriguez urged the national government to shoulder the cremation or burial expenses of COVID-19 victims.
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Senator Nancy Binay urged the government to shoulder cremation costs for COVID-19 fatalities to help hospitals manage unclaimed cadavers and ease the financial burden on grieving families.
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The Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) has mandated local government units (LGUs) to ensure the cremation or burial of COVID-19 deceased within 12 hours of death.
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Quezon City Mayor Joy Belmonte has warned funeral parlors and crematoriums against rejecting the remains of COVID-19 fatalities or charging exorbitant fees, citing a newly approved ordinance.
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