In Pictures

Davao City ranks third as safest city in Southeast Asia for 2024, behind Chiang Mai, Thailand and Singapore, according to the latest Numbeo Safety Index. The city garnered a safety index of 72.5.LEAN DAVAL JR

Sto. Niño images are sprinkled with holy water by a Catholic priest during the 57th Patronal Fiesta of the Shrine of the Holy Infant of Jesus of Prague in Shrine Hills, Matina, Davao City on Wednesday. LEAN DAVAL JR

A dog handler guides his K9 partner as it sniffs through the luggage of guests as part of The Royal Mandaya Hotel's security measure on Wednesday afternoon. LEAN DAVAL JR

Catholic devotees gather around the image of the Black Nazarene to offer prayers during the Feast of the Black Nazarene at the San Pedro Cathedral in Davao City on Thursday. LEAN DAVAL JR

A Catholic devotee kisses the hand of the image of the Black Nazarene inside the San Pedro Cathedral during the Feast of the Black Nazarene in Davao City on Thursday. LEAN DAVAL JR

Dabawenyo business owners renew their business permits at the Davao City Business Bureau office inside Sangguniang Panlungsod building in Davao City on Wednesday. LEAN DAVAL JR

A vendor prepares freshly cooked "puto maya" in anticipation of the influx of hungry church goers who will have their morning snack after attending Simbang Gabi at San Pedro Cathedral in Davao City on Friday. LEAN DAVAL JR

Chairman Helen Lim and Chief Executive Officer Lafayette Lim of NCCC Group of Companies, NCCC Malls President Sharlene Faye Lim, NCCC Department Stores President Ivy Michelle Lim, members of Lim family, popular travel vlogger Kulas and other guests grace the opening of NCCC Supermarket at NCCC Mall Ma-a in Davao City on Friday, December 20. MAYA PADILLO

A meat vendor slices pork at a stall inside Bankerohan Public Market in Davao City in this undated photo. The Department of Agriculture 11 (DA11) assured the public that there is enough supply of pork in the region for the holiday season despite monitored cases of African swine fever (ASF). LEAN DAVAL JR