Palace alarmed over cases of lambanog poisoning

Malacañang on Monday expressed alarm over the fatal poisoning of several people due to lambanog ahead of the Christmas break.

At least eight people initially died in Rizal town in Laguna while several individuals have been hospitalized in Laguna and Quezon after drinking lambanog or palm liquor.

Earlier in the day, Rizal Mayor Vener Muñoz said an additional three people died after drinking lambanog.

In Malacañang, presidential spokesperson Salvador Panelo said: “The Palace expresses alarm over the reported cases of lambanog poisoning in Laguna and Quezon.” 

Panelo reminded the public to always check whether their alcohol purchases, or any product that they consume, have been registered or approved by the Food and Drug Administration.

“Prudence dictates that we should always be mindful of what we ingest, particularly during this is time of merrymaking,” he said.

Laguna Governor Ramil Hernandez has already issued an order banning the selling of lambanog in the whole province in light of the poisoning incidents. — Virgil Lopez/RSJ, GMA News