‘Joseph Estrada’ faints in Negros

BACOLOD CITY — "Joseph Estrada" and 49 other tribesmen of Tribu Aragon who participated at the Dinagsa Festival in Cadiz City Sunday fainted after inhaling a toxic substance they painted on their bodies to make them appear more authentic aetas.

Dr. Romeo Agraviador of the Cadiz City Health Office said the black oxide is believed to contain lead that caused the fainting spells and vomiting of 50 out of 368 members of the tribe from Sitio Hiyang-Hiyang, Barangay Celestino Villacin.

The chemical also smelled like muriatic acid.

The "tribe" members painted themselves as early as 5 a.m. for the street dancing competition of the festival participated in by 16 tribes. They started to feel faint at about 7:30.

Hernando Delgado, 15, was taken to the St. Anne Hospital for treatment and the rest, to the Cadiz City Health Clinic. Delgado was later transferred to the Dr. Jose Locsin Provincial Hospital in Silay City due to allergic reaction to the paint that caused his eyes to swell.

Barangay Captain Rebecca Argawanon said they had used the same kind of powder which they added to the paint and nothing happened.

Cadiz Mayor Salvador Escalante Jr. said he had received reports that thinner was also added to the paint used by the members of Tribu Aragon. — Antonieta Lopez