Davao official resigns over approval of COVID-19-linked cockfights

A Davao City official has resigned after approving cockfighting derbies that are now considered a primary source of COVID-19 cases in the city.

The head of the Business Permit and Licensing Division could have prevented the staging of the events at New Matina Gallera on March 7, 10, and 12.

Mayor Sara Duterte stated that the official made a "judgment call that was never made" to stop the derbies.

Despite the derbies being held before the city-wide community quarantine on March 15, an order to close cockfighting arenas was issued on March 12 due to the risk of mass gatherings.

The official issued a permit on March 4 after the arena complied with requirements and secured City Council approval on February 4.

Guidelines on COVID-19 issued on March 8 did not explicitly prohibit private events but advised postponing mass gatherings.

At least four individuals who attended the derbies have died due to COVID-19.

As of April 5, Davao City has 65 confirmed COVID-19 cases, the highest in the Davao Region.