DAVAO CITY (DSWD XI) -The regional office here of Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) and the city government immediately extended assistance to victims and families of victims of the bombing incident at Roxas Avenue Friday night.

According to Mercedita P. Jabagat, regional chief of DSWD, agency social workers readily conducted hospital and funeral home visits to ensure that immediate needs are promptly addressed.

“We will also provide additional financial assistance to affected families for medical and burial expenses and in due time, we shall conduct psychosocial intervention to affected families,” Director Jabagat said.

Meanwhile, the Local Government Unit through its City Social Services and Development Office (CSSDO) will cover all funeral and medical expenses of the victims.

Per DSWD report, 69 persons were injured and presently admitted at various hospitals in downtown Davao while 13 persons were killed following the incident which occurred around 10 in the evening of September 2.

Reported casualties were: Daniel Larida, Melanie Faith Larida, Jay Adremesin, Rogelio Caganta, Mercy Basilisco, Maria Luz Arellano, Cristelie Decolongon, Ruth Merisido, Reynaldo Salvador, Eufemia Biscocho, Christian Denver Reyes, Evelyn Sobrecary and Pipalawan Macacua.

Roxas Avenue here has been made famous with its night market which opens daily from 5 in the afternoon until two in the morning.

The place has become a convergence point of people from all walks of life, rich or poor. For some residents, it is a vibrant and safe meeting place for families, friends, students and business partners, where almost everything can be had –from food, massage, gadgets, and the most sought after ukay ukay wares of clothes, shoes, linens, pants, bags, etc.

One of the places to go when in Davao, the Roxas Avenue night market is very near Marco Polo Hotel, Aldevinco Shopping Center and Ateneo De Davao University. (DSWD)