At least 134 Makati students hospitalized for food poisoning

MANILA, Philippines - At least 134 students of the Pio del Pilar Elementary School were hospitalized on Thursday for suspected food poisoning.

Makati City spokesman Gilberto delos Reyes said 44 students were taken to the Ospital ng Makati (OsMak) while 90 others were rushed to the Palanan Health Center. The victims belonged to the Grade 4, Grade 5 and Grade 6 classes.

Initial reports said the students were rushed to the two hospitals after bouts of vomiting and after complaining of abdominal pains.

Delos Reyes said the incident happened at around 9:30 a.m. after the students bought food at the school canteen during recess period. The school is located along Arnaiz St. in Barangay Pio del Pilar.

According to OsMak’s Dr. Janina Bianca Ortiz, they have yet to identify what triggered the suspected food poisoning. Ortiz said most students bought and ate biscuits at the canteen.

Ortiz said food samples from the canteen have already been taken for laboratory examination.

Meanwhile, Makati Mayor Romulo Peña personally went to OsMak and assured the victims’ parents of the city government’s assistance. Peña said the Makati City government would be paying for the victims’ hospital bills.

Peña also ordered the Makati Health Department and the Makati Police to conduct a joint investigation on the incident.  No one was reported to be in critical condition, the Makati City government said.