At least 29 students from Tulalian National High School in Santo Tomas, Davao del Norte, were rushed to a hospital after exhibiting symptoms of suspected food poisoning.

Of the 29 students, 18 were referred to Davao del Norte Hospital–Carmen Zone (DDNH-CZ), four were referred to Davao Regional Medical Center (DRMC, an one was transferred to a private hospital at the request of the parents.

Six students were clinically cleared, which means they no longer showed symptoms of food poisoning.

The Department of Health (DOH), Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD), and the local government will reportedly shoulder all hospital expenses.

Earlier, the Santo Tomas Police Station reported that 31 students were brought to a hospital after reportedly experiencing symptoms of food poisoning from the 'binignit' and 'gulaman' they consumed.

According to Major Eduardo Corpzuz, commander of Santo Tomas Municipal Police Station, a vendor allegedly instructed her sibling to buy one-fourth kilogram of white sugar from a store.

The sugar was then allegedly used in preparing the "binignit" and "gulaman" that were sold at the school.

Based on initial investigation, authorities suspect that bleaching powder, rather than sugar, may have been mixed into the food and drinks.

"Nakuha nato ang cellophane sa gisudlan sa kuan (bleaching powder) dili gyud sugar ang natimpla sa binignit,” Corpuz said.

Authorities are still awaiting the official results of laboratory examinations of samples from the food and drinks.

The vendor was taken into police custody and may face charges.