Agusan del Sur Governor Santiago Cane Jr. has ordered a humanitarian organization to suspend its hot food truck initiative in the province after over 200 people, including children, from Esperanza town were rushed to the hospital due to alleged food poisoning evening on Monday, February 19, 2024.
Cane ordered the immediate suspension of the feeding operation, pending the results of the laboratory tests and the outcome of the investigation.
Authorities are looking into food poisoning as among the possible reasons why residents experienced stomachache, vomiting, and loose bowel movement.
Provincial Health Officer, Dr. Jacqueline Frances Momville, said the reported cases has reached 216, as of February 20, 2024.
“Pwede natin sabihin na alleged food poisoning until further investigation. Ang tawag natin dito is health emergency kasi nakayanan ng munisipyo and hospital na magrespond tayo,” Momville said.
“More than pointing fingers, let us focus on the action,” she added.
Flood victims from Barangay Tandang Sora, Esperanza were among the recipients of the feeding program.
Meals containing rice, chicken liver, and boiled eggs were served to the victims few hours before symptoms of food poisoning manifested.
“The incident is still under investigation…naa initial nga food poisoning but officially wala pa na declare until such time that the investigation is done,” Esperanza Mayor Deo Manpatilan Jr. said.
Health authorities are looking into the incident history from food purchase, food preparation, and food distribution to determine what really caused the ailment. They also collected water samples and have it tested.
“Daghan factor sa food posing not only temperature. Number 1 is preparation, giunsa pag-prepare ang food or basin daan ang giprepare nga food contaminated na siya or during sa transportation so mao na siya storage sa food before siya giluto, during sa pagluto, temperature sa pagluto ug during sa transportation. Mao na ginatrabaho sa surveillance unit aron maka compe up og insakto nga diagnosis. As of now kung dili pa ma-complete ang report sa surveillance unit it is still a suspect dili pa gyud ta makaingon nga food poisoning,” Municipal Health Officer, Dr. Maria Theresa Labiao, added.
The municipal and provincial government assured help for the residents.
