Food poisoning downs 38 BOC trainees

MANILA, Philippines — At least 38 Bureau of Customs (BOC) police trainees were hospitalized for food poisoning yesterday.

Dr. Fresco Yapendon of the Gat Andres Bonifacio Memorial Center said 87 trainees were rushed to the hospital but only 38 had symptoms of food poisoning.

He said the trainees may have eaten beef ampalaya or bought bottles of water sold outside the BOC.

Yapendon said only two trainees remained at the hospital while the rest were discharged.

BOC Assistant Commissioner Philip Maronilla said the trainees manifested symptoms of food poisoning just an hour after breakfast.

He said the BOC is conducting an investigation to determine who provided the food and drink.

The BOC hired 115 customs police this year and conducted a three-month training for the 90 newly appointed customs police and water patrol personnel as part of the bureau’s efforts to intensify intelligence and enforcement operations.