At least 43 people were rushed to the hospital after they were attacked by a swarm of bees at the Energy Park in Tagum City, Davao del Norte.

According to Sheryl Cayao, her niece fainted after getting stung while her own son also lost consciousness upon arriving at the hospital.

City Information Officer, Don Sy, said 39 patients have been discharged and four are still recovering as of 1 p.m. on April 10, 2025.

The local government assured that the individuals affected will receive assistance.

Initial investigation found that someone may have thrown a stone at the beehive, which likely triggered the bee attack.

The City Agriculture’s Office has since conducted fogging operations to control the swarming.

“Ang among target gyud karon is to conduct a monthly monitoring and spotting sa mga colonies especially sa mga park kay risky man to nga place especially kung matandog kung naa poy strong wind mabali ang sanga mahulog ang colony so delikado gyud,” City Agriculture Office Head, Engr. Harold Dawa, said.

The City Agriculture’s Office also reminded the public not to disturb beehives, as bees usually do not attack unless provoked or their hives are touched.

“Kanang apis dorsata mao nay gitawag nga putyukan this bee dagko ni siyag size ang behavior ani protective kaayo sa iyang colony once matandog ang iyang colony mo-atake gyud ni siya kay aggressive ni siya,” Dawa added.

The City Health Office also said bee stings contain venom that causes pain and swelling.

“Ang venom man gud ana naay content nga gitawag og histamine… depende sa tao, naay tao nga allergic niana depende pud sa gidaghanon sa stings posible nga maghubag, swelling, magkatol ug sakit. Ang uban grabe ang reaction mao nay gitawag nga anaphylactic reaction kadaghanan sa ilaha maglisod og ginhawa mag shock, magbaba ang blood pressure, magpalpitate, kinahanglan gyud na madala sa hospital,” City Health Officer, Dr. Arnel Florendo, said.

Health authorities advised those who will be attacked by bees to administer first aid by cleaning the swollen area and apply cold compress.

“Kung naa pa ang stinger gina advise namo nga i-scrape off dili gamitan og tweezers kay the more na ma pinch na nimo the more manggawas ang venom nga nabilin,” Florendo added.