Toxic odor downs 60 students, faculty
ILOILO CITY , Philippines — At least 60 students and teachers of Central Philippine University in Jaro district of this city were brought to the hospital Wednesday afternoon for alleged air poisoning.
The students and faculty from the university's high school department complained of foul odor that made them dizzy and experienced dry throat and shortness of breathing, said Dr. Florence Bogacia, officer-in-charge of the Office of the CPU President.
The victims were attending the high school convocation as part of their annual Christ Emphasis Week (CEW) celebrations at the Rose Memorial Auditorium when foul odor engulfed the place.
Initially, they were immediately brought to the school clinic but were later transferred to Iloilo Mission Hospital, which is also managed by CPU.
Earlier, Bogacia said college students also utilized the same auditorium for their CEW convocation but nothing happened.
Chief Inspector Rhea Santos, Jaro police chief, said they went to CPU and to the hospital after the incident. "The hospital management refused to give any details. Records showed there were 60 persons who were brought there but their names were withheld," she added.
Parents also chose not to book the incident to police authorities claiming they were satisfied with how the school attended to the medical needs of their children. Most of the victims were released from hospital confinement immediately after receiving treatment.
Yesterday afternoon, representatives from the DENR, together with the local police, conducted an investigation to determine the cause of the toxic fumes. (FREEMAN)
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