Marawi City Mayor Majul Gandamra tested positive for the coronavirus disease 2019 (Covid-19), he announced Sunday.

In a statement he issued after the test results came out Sunday night, Gandamra said he got infected with the disease “despite careful and religious observance of minimum health protocols.”

“While our guards are lowered down after altering to our Community Quarantine Guidelines to encourage the movement of our local economy, this is a reminder to all residents of this city that this battle against the virus is far from over,” he said.

Gandamra urged his close contacts to get tested and undergo self-quarantine.

Incidentally, he was involved in various activities with the Task Force Bangon Marawi (TFBM), including the groundbreaking of the site for a halal slaughterhouse on March 26.

During this event, he was joined by TFBM Chairperson Secretary Eduardo del Rosario, along with Department of Human Settlements and Urban Development Undersecretary Zyril Carlos and TFBM Field Office Manager Asst. Sec. Felix Castro Jr.

Gandamra said getting Covid-19 also served as a wake-up call to continue being vigilant by observing health protocols, avoiding non-essential travels and crowded gatherings.

“This is also a call to action to not be afraid to get vaccinated, as this is by far the most impactful move that our government is doing to protect ourselves from the disease,” he said. (PNA)