DepEd to seek PNP help in probing food poisoning cases in Rizal schools

MANILA, Philippines - The Department of Education (DepEd) on Wednesday said it will seek the help of the Philippine National Police (PNP) in investigating food poisoning incidents that downed 80 pupils from two schools in Antipolo City. In an interview, DepEd Undersecretary for Legal Affairs Franklin Sunga said education officials are not taking the incidents lightly, adding that DepEd will not hesitate to penalize school officials if proven that they erred, leading to the food poisoning of their students. Sunga said aside from the PNP, the department will also will also coordinate with officials from the Department of Health (DOH) Region IV-A as to the results of the medical tests done on the students and the food themselves. "We need to really investigate the matter. It is a serious incident, considering that the school year has just begun," Sunga said. The incident has caused an outrage among parents who are sending their children to these schools. Some of the parents claimed that their children were required to buy food from their teachers. Earlier, DepEd Health and Nutrition Center director Thelma Santos ordered officials of the the Mambugan and Cupang Elementary Schools in Antipolo City to submit a report on the incidents immediately. The DepEd official said the investigation will zero in on whether the schools followed procedures in handling food, and establish the identity of the food supplier. - GMANews.TV