Spraying of pesticides and operation of piggeries in the vicinity of Pis-anan  National High School in Sibalom town, Province of Antique are suspected to have caused body malaise among over 200 students.

Task Force Pis-anan has suspected that students of Pis-anan National High School (PNHS) who complained of dizziness, shortness of breath chest pains, nausea, among others, must have been due to their exposure to sprayed pesticides, and piggeries near the said school.  

According to Rodel Esler, head of the Municipal Environment and Natural Resources Office (MENRO) and Information Officer of the Task Force, in an interview  with GMA Super Radyo Iloilo, said it is possible there was spraying of plants in the garden or backyard located near the school, or chemical from the piggeries that operate from 50 to 100 meters away from the school premises.

However, Esler said that the farmer who admitted spraying pesticide is not included anymore in the investigation, as his rice field is located around a kilometer from the school, considered  past the so-called critical distance.

According to data furnished by the Task Force, a total of 316 individuals, mostly students, has been affected by the incident — 200 females and 116 males.

Of the said figures, eight of the patients remain confined at Angel Memorial General Salazar  Hospital, while two are at the Ramon Maza Sr. Memorial Hospital, as of this writing.

Collection of swab samples from classroom walls and buildings and urine samples from the patients has been completed.  Results are expected to be released within seven to 10 days. 

Further, Esler clarified that pupils from Pis-anan Central Elementary School who complained of similar symptoms inhaled possibly the foul fumes while passing through Pis-anan National High School. 

In-person classes remain suspended in both schools, until health authorities declare safe the resumption of face-to-face classes. 

Authorities urged the public to cooperate in the investigation by reporting to the police further  information about the incident that would help identify the noxious substance.

To recall, over 200 individuals in Sibalom, mostly students, were rushed to hospitals after complaining of shortness of breath, chest pain, nausea, and dizziness on July 2, 2025.

The patients complained of dizziness after they inhaled foul fumes while at Pis-anan National High School at about 7 a.m. on July 2, 2025. 

The students described the stench to resemble that of rotten guava fruit.