1 dead, 5 hospitalized after eating 'salay-salay'

MANILA, Philippines - A 74-year-old man died while five members of his family were rushed to the hospital Thursday when they fell ill after eating “salay-salay” fish bought from a public market in Pasay City. 

Police Officer 3 Simon Respicio identified the fatality as Guillermo Hernandez, a resident of Saint Claire street in Maricaban.

Hernandez’s granddaughter, Marina Boque, 30; her two daughters, Mikaela, 7, and Catherine, 8; brother-in-law Virgilio, 44; and niece, Alfea Torres, were treated at the nearby Pasay City General Hospital.

Boque told police investigators that at around 5 p.m., she went to the Maricaban market and bought a kilo of “salay-salay” fish that she later cooked and served to her family.

About three hours later, all the victims were brought to the hospital for stomach pain, vomiting and diarrhea.

Hernandez died while undergoing treatment.

Respicio said the case is still under investigation.