At least 50 residents of South Upi, Maguindanao del Sur were rushed to the hospital after experiencing stomachache, loose bowel movement, vomiting, and dizziness due to alleged food poisoning.

The 50 are from Barangays Kigan and Pandan. They are still under observation in a hospital, as of this writing. 

According to the Integrated Provincial Health Office (IPHO)-Maguindanao, the 50 attended a tribal wedding on Wednesday, April 24, 2024, where they were believed to have eaten spoiled food. One of the dishes served was chicken cooked in coconut milk.

IPHO has sent a surveillance team to check on the matter. 

“Sisiguraduhin natin na mabibigyan natin ng karampatang diagnosis and we will do some tests, we will send it to Manila kung ano talagang klase. Although, sinasabi nating food poisoning, but kailangan din nating malaman kung ano yung kemikal na nakapaloob doon,” IPHO-Maguindanao Chief, Dr. Mohammad Ariff Baguindali, said.

Authorities said the food may have been prepared in the morning but was only served and eaten in the afternoon.

IPHO adviced those preparing food:

“Mas maganda na kung ang pagkain ay hindi natin maiiwasan na saucy, sa (mainit na) panahon ngayon, mas mabuti na agad kainin. Hindi pinaaabot ng ilang oras or maghanda na lang tayo ng dry na pagkain para maiwasan ang food poisoning,” Baguindali said.