Contaminated water downs 39 Zambo villagers

ZAMBOANGA CITY, Philippines – Thirty-nine persons were hospitalized, reportedly due to contaminated water supply, in a village west of this city, authorities reported yesterday.

City health officer Rodelyn Agbulos said the victims, who were residents of Purok 4A and 4B of Barangay Limpapa, complained of stomach pains and started vomiting at dawn Saturday.

The victims were taken to the Labuan Primary Hospital and a public hospital in this city for treatment.

Village chairman Antonio Lacaser said their water supply was sourced from a stream through a pipe that is connected to a tank.

Lacaser said residents have been using the water system for five years and it was the first time that such an incident happened in the village. 

Agbulos believes the victims’ water supply has been contaminated. She ordered the village chairman to shut down the system until tests prove the water is safe to consume.