Peso coin gets stuck in child's throat in Pangasinan

A two-year-old child from Mangatarem, Pangasinan accidentally swallowed a peso coin, which then got stuck  in his throat.

According to Claire Lacanilao’s GMA Regional TV Balitang Amianan on Thursday, the mother said she thought the child choked on the cheese roll he was eating last January 26.

However, they observed that the child had difficulty in breathing and cried continuously. He was immediately taken to the hospital. It was later found out that a peso coin was stuck in his throat.

“Hindi ko po alam kung saan niya nakuha ‘yon, binibimpuhan ko po yung kapatid niya kasi may lagnat. Bigla siyang pumasok sa kwarto tapos nagsusuka siya, parang nasasakal tapos andaming laway,” the mother said.

(I don't know where he got it, I was care of his sister because she has a fever. He suddenly entered the room and then he vomited. He was also choking and saliva was coming out of his mouth.)

The mother appealed for financial help through social media after the hospital said the child needed a surgery to remove the coin.

Kind-hearted netizens responded and the operation went on successfully.

“Nagpapasalamat po ako sa kanila kasi alam po nila yung taong walang wala po talaga tapos nagpadala po sila ng pera para po makatulong sa bata,” she added.

(I thanked those who helped because they knew that we lacked financially and they sent money for my child.)

Meanwhile, health authorities advised parents to immediately bring their child to the hospital if they experience the same incident.

“Sa ating mga magulang, ang mga bata po ay na-aatract sila sa mga shiny, ‘yung mga matitingkad na mga bagay na katulad ng coins o ‘yung mga maliliit na toys,” Dr. Anna De Guzman, Pangasinan provincial health officer, said.

(Parents should remember that kids are attracted to shiny and bright things like coins or small toys.) 

“Kaya dapat nga po ang binabantayan, ang mga bata at hindi sila binibilhan ng mga toys na kasya sa kanilang bibig,” she added.

(That is why we should monitor our children and they shouldn't be given toys that can fit in their mouth.)—Richa Noriega/LDF, GMA News