More palabok poisoning victims in Albay hospitalized

LEGAZPI CITY, Philippines – The number of persons hospitalized after eating palabok or rice noodles at a birthday party in Ligao City, Albay has doubled.

Nathaniel Rempillo, Albay health officer, said more than 20 other victims were brought to the Bicol Regional Training and Teaching Hospital and the Albay Doctors’ Hospital yesterday.

At least 27 persons who suffered abdominal pain and dizziness were brought to the Josefina Belmonte Duran District Hospital and Garcia Hospital on Monday.

Rempillo said the patients suffered from acute gastro enteritis.

“We want to find out who is really responsible for this because it’s not a joke making people sick,”Rempillo said.

The Ligao City Health Office ordered the closure of AC Take Out Pancit Malabon, where the palabok served during a birthday party was reportedly bought.

Rempillo said samples of the palabok were brought to the Food and Drug Administration for examination. – Cet Dematera, Celso Amo