Food poisoning downs 900 Bilibid inmates

MANILA, Philippines - At least 900 inmates of the New Bilibid Prison (NBP) in Muntinlupa City suffered food poisoning, Justice Secretary Vitaliano Aguirre confirmed yesterday.

Aguirre ordered Bureau of Corrections (BuCor) chief Benjamin delos Santos to look into whether contaminated water or food served by a caterer caused the poisoning.

 “Investigation is being conducted to know what really happened and what is the cause – was it the food or water?” Aguirre told reporters.

Aguirre said they sought the help of the Department of Health to conduct tests on the food samples consumed by the prisoners.

He said hundreds of inmates suffered from diarrhea after eating bangus or milkfish at the canteen of the national penitentiary on Thursday.

As of Saturday, Aguirre said over 900 inmates had been hit by  food poisoning, with 600 of them brought to the NBP Hospital.

He said at least 150 inmates remain confined in the hospital.

Aguirre did not rule out the possibility that the food poisoning was done deliberately.

“It is among the angles being pursued by the BuCor,” he said. 

Aguirre ordered Delos Santos to monitor the situation, adding that medicine, bananas, mineral water and energy drinks have been sent to the NBP as part of contingency measures.

“The health of the inmates is a paramount consideration,” the Department of Justice chief said.

He added NBP authorities were coordinating with the leaders of each brigade of inmates to ensure cleanliness and prevent the spread of diarrhea.

No high-value inmates were affected by the incident.  

The NBP’s food supplier gave around P25,000 in assistance to the prisoners, Aguirre said. – With Perseus Echeminada