Death toll in Quezon due to lambanog poisoning climbs to 10

QUEZON - The death toll in Quezon due to lambanog poisoning has gone up to 10 after two more died this week.

Berlito Agudo, 63, of Barangay Bukas in Pagbilao, Quezon was pronounced dead on arrival at the Quezon Medical Center in Lucena City on Tuesday, Christmas Eve, Dec. 24.

Agudo drank lambanog at his home on Monday. Hours later, he had breathing difficulty, blurred vision, vomiting episodes and weakness.

According to police from the Pagbilao Municipal Police Station, relatives could not pinpoint which store the lambanog came from.

Meanwhile, in Candelaria, Quezon, Melchor Macatangay, 65, died on Wednesday, Christmas Day, Dec. 25, at the Peter Paul Hospital.

The victim reportedly drank lambanog on Sunday in Barangay San Isidro.

The next day, he felt intense headache and stomachache. His vision also became blurred.

Macatangay was rushed to the hospital after he vomited a number of times.

Two other lambanog drinkers were confined at hospitals.

The Food and Drug Administration on Monday warned the public against the purchase and consumption of brands of lambanog, or distilled coconut sap, which are not registered with the agency.

It also called on stores to stop selling lambanog brands that have not been registered with the agency.

NBI Lucena has started an investigation into the incidents of lambanog poisoning. —Peewee Bacuño/KG, GMA News