KORONADAL CITY, Philippines – Four persons died of apparent food poisoning while 32 others were hospitalized after feasting on the meat of five dead horses in Senator Ninoy Aquino town in Sultan Kudarat on Wednesday, authorities said.
The fatalities were identified as Rolly Apala, 32; Junie Octavio, 52; Reynaldo Gabawa, 54; and Federico Abogadil, 57, all residents of Barangay Tinalon.
Sixteen residents were reportedly rushed to the municipal hospital of Senator Ninoy Aquino on Wednesday after they complained of vomiting, stomach pain, diarrhea and other symptoms of food poisoning.
They were later transferred to the provincial hospital in Isulan town, as the municipal hospital lacked nurses, oxygen and medicine, said Dr. Maricris Idio, municipal health officer.
Sixteen other villagers were brought to the provincial hospital yesterday morning, former town councilor Gil Batilo told Bombo Radyo here.
Idio said she has requested the local police chief to get samples like the bones and meat of the dead horses for an investigation into the food poisoning.
Inspector Samuel Domingo, deputy police chief of Senator Ninoy Aquino town, said they received reports on Wednesday that dozens of residents were reportedly downed after feasting on the meat of five dead horses in Barangay Tinalon.
Domingo said they also learned from the victims themselves that four villagers died minutes after eating the meat of the dead horses.
Senator Ninoy Aquino Vice Mayor Emily Herezo said the municipal government has extended help to the victims, who are all now under observation at the provincial hospital due to their serious condition.