“Popsicle” downs 8 pupils in Malubog

CEBU, Philippines - At least eight pupils from Malubog Integrated School were rushed to the hospital yesterday after they complained of abdominal pains and vomiting after consuming popsicles that they bought from an ambulant vendor outside the school.

Joy Cangmaong, dri-ver of Barangay Malubog, said most of the pupils were immediately discharged after checkup except for one that was confined in a private hospital. All of the victims were Grade 4 pupils.

Cangmaong said the victims complained of stomach pain after consuming popsicles during their morning recess. The pupils allegedly bought the popsicles from an ambulant vendor outside the school.

Cangmaong said all of those who bought popsicles experienced vomiting and abdominal pain, prompting the school officials to rush them to Vicente Sotto Memorial Medical Center.

"Paghuman nako kaon sakit dayon ako tiyan," said one of the pupils.

Melissa Mozar, one of the teachers, said they could not yet make a conclusion that it was caused by the popsicles pending the results of the laboratory examinations.

She, however, said that the popsicles were the common food consumed by the victims before they experienced vomiting and abdominal pains.

Malubog Barangay Captain Marjorita Cangmaong said she will meet with the school officials on the matter. The barangay captain was in the city attending a meeting when the incident happened.  (FREEMAN)