Mindanao cities under Alert Level 3 as COVID-19 cases surge

Davao City and Cagayan de Oro in Mindanao have seen a significant rise in COVID-19 cases, prompting the government to raise alert levels in these areas.

Cagayan de Oro recorded an alarming 1,194% two-week growth rate in new cases while Bukidnon province saw a 200% increase.

On January 12, acting presidential spokesperson Karlo Nograles announced that Davao City, Cagayan de Oro, Butuan, Cotabato, and Agusan del Sur would be placed under Alert Level 3 from January 14 to January 31 due to rising cases.

Davao City's new cases increased sharply from 32 on January 2 to 462 on January 10, with its first death of the year reported on January 10.