Suspected food poisoning downs over 90 students, teachers in Occidental Mindoro

At least 90 students and teachers from the San Francisco Elementary School in Sablayan, Occidental Mindoro were rushed to the hospital due to suspected food poisoning, according to the Municipal Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office (MDRRMO).

According to a report of dzBB's Jhomer Apresto, the students were brought to the district hospital after they ate lumpia or spring rolls.

A total of 86 students, six teachers and five other individuals were affected and received medical attention. Of the patients, 64 were discharged after exhibiting mild symptoms, while the 33 others are for admission, an initial report from the district hospital said.

Department of Education spokesperson Michael Poa said the agency is "currently coordinating with the schools division office to get the facts."

In a separate dzBB interview, MDRRMO head Arcris Canillo said their office received a call for assistance at noon Monday after the students complained of stomach ache and vomitting.

“Kanina bandang alas-dose ng tanghali, tumawag sa amin ang Barangay San Francisco regarding doon sa mga sumasakit na tiyan ng mga bata sa San Francisco Elementary School. Dinala namin ang patients sa San Sebastian District Hospital,” Canillo said.

(We received a call from Barangay San Francisco around 12 noon after students complained of stomach ache. We rushed them to San Sebastian District Hospital.)

An initial investigation showed the students allegedly ate lumpia (fried spring rolls) being sold outside their school prior to the incident.

Canillo said authorities are still studying the actions to be taken as the investigation is still ongoing.—Giselle Ombay, Sundy Locus/LDF, GMA News