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.

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 to the students.

After eating and drinking the products, the victims reportedly experienced stomach pain and vomiting.

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. Mao man gud daw gihatag sa gisugo niya pagpalit og asukal,” Corpuz said.

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

Nine students have already been discharged after recovering while 22 others remain at Carmen District Hospital for further treatment.

Authoriites are also investigating the store where the sugar was purchased.

The vendor was taken into police custody and may face charges for alleged violation of the Food Safety Act of 2013 (RA 10611).