The Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority (SBMA) has opened an investigation into a reported case of food poisoning in Olongapo City involving over 100 Sangguniang Kabataan (SK) members and staff from the San Carlos City local government.

The incident happened on August 6, 2024 during a seminar held at a hotel at the Subic Freeport Zone.

Armie Llamas, SBMA Deputy for Corporate Communications, said they have sent the food suspected to have caused the poisoning for testing. 

“Just to be sure, ‘yung food na kinain na pinagsusupetsyahan ay pinadala na rin namin for testing… in-extract namin ‘yung water filters baka mamaya mayroon din doon,” 

The hotel management is yet to release a statement, as of this writing, but is cooperating with authorities in the investigation. It is also assisting the victims. 

San Carlos City Mayor Ayoy Resuello who was at the seminar has assured parents via social media that there was no cause for alarm. 

The victims were brought to the hospital and were discharged the following day, August 7. 

They were reportedly served with fried chicken, pork caldereta, and chopsuey.

Miko Macaraeg, the SK Chairman of Barangay Lilimasan, said they started feeling stomach pains after lunch. 

“Bale ‘yung ibang kasama ko [ay] nagtatae at may nagsusuka. Mabuti naman at active si mayor… sabi dalhin na lang sa ospital,” Macaraeg said.

The mayor said they have decided to postpone the seminar for the second batch of SK officials from the city and that the LGU will make sure everyone will return home safely.

“Rest assured sa mga magulang na hindi ako aalis at hindi aalis ang team ng LGU (local government unit) hangga’t hindi natin maiuuwi ng safely ang ating mga officials,” Resuello said.

Parents of the SK members have expressed deep concern for their children's well-being.

“Bilang magulang, syempre kabado kasi food poisoning,” Benjamina Macaraeg, the mother of one of the victims, said.

“Sabi ko, ‘Ano ba kinain niyo?’ sabi [ng anak ko], manok,” Teresita Soriano, another parent, added.