Teargas downs 12 students in Makati

Twelve students and a teacher of the Makati High School Pio del Pilar Annex along Morong street, Barangay Poblacion, were rushed to the Ospital ng Makati yesterday after they were accidentally exposed to chemicals from a teargas canister.

The names of the second year students were withheld, but school authorities assured the public that no one was in serious condition.

The teacher, Leon Ty, said his students were playing with a teargas canister during class when one of them accidentally pulled the pin, causing the release of chemicals.

It was not immediately known why the students were in possession of a teargas canister.

Ambulances were immediately called to bring the teacher and the students to the nearest hospital, where they received medical attention.

Makati City Police Department (MCPD) chief Senior Superintendent Marietto Valerio said the incident happened at around 4:30 p.m.

Several worried parents rushed to the school located near the Makati City Hall to check on their children.

School principal Corazon Jose assured them that the no one was seriously hurt in the incident and that there was no cause for alarm.