SANTO TOMAS, Davao del Norte — Twenty-four of the 29 students who were given medical attention following a suspected food poisoning incident at Tulalian National High School have been discharged, while five remain hospitalized as the Local Government Unit (LGU) of Santo Tomas awaits laboratory results that could determine the source of the students’ illnesses.
According to an update released by the LGU Santo Tomas, Davao del Norte, the incident occurred on August 24, after 29 students reportedly experienced abdominal pain, nausea, vomiting and dizziness.
The affected students were immediately brought to the Rural Health Unit for medical evaluation and appropriate treatment following the response of the Municipal Health Office (MHO).
Of the 29 students initially affected, 18 were referred to the Davao del Norte Hospital–Carmen Zone (DDNH-CZ), four were brought to the Davao Regional Medical Center (DRMC), one was taken to a private hospital, while six were clinically cleared, according to the LGU.
As of August 25, the LGU reported that 24 students had already been discharged, while five remained under medical observation. Four of those still hospitalized are at DRMC, while one remains at DDNH-CZ.
Municipal Mayor Roland S. Dejesica also personally visited the affected students following the incident, with the LGU saying it continues to monitor their condition and ensure that assistance reaches the students and their families.
Investigation continues
The Municipal Epidemiology and Surveillance Unit (MESU) is continuing its investigation into the suspected food poisoning incident.
As part of the investigation, the school canteen and food vendors operating around the school were inspected. Food samples were also collected and submitted for laboratory analysis to determine the possible source of the students’ illnesses.
The Municipal Health Office said it is still awaiting the laboratory results before authorities can establish what may have caused the incident.
The LGU urged the public to avoid spreading unverified information while the investigation remains ongoing, emphasizing that further updates will be issued once the laboratory findings and official investigation results are available.
Food vendor released from police custody
Meanwhile, the LGU reported that a female food vendor was placed under the custody of the Santo Tomas Municipal Police Station on August 24 in connection with the incident.
However, she was released on August 25 after the applicable reglementary period expired without a case being filed against her within the period prescribed by law.
Her release does not establish or rule out any connection to the students’ illnesses, as the investigation remains ongoing and authorities are still awaiting the results of the laboratory examination of the food samples.
LGU reminds food vendors to ensure safety
The Santo Tomas LGU said it continues to monitor the affected students and provide assistance to their families as necessary.
It also reminded food vendors operating within the municipality to strictly observe food safety standards and ensure that the products they sell are safe for consumption.
The local government emphasized the importance of proper food preparation, handling, storage and sanitation, particularly in areas where food is sold to students and other members of the public.
For now, authorities have not made a final determination on what caused the illnesses. The laboratory results from the collected food samples remain critical to establishing whether food contamination occurred and identifying the possible substance or product involved.
The investigation and monitoring of the affected students remain ongoing, according to the Santo Tomas LGU.