Halo-halo downs 19 Laguna folk

LAGUNA, Philippines – Nineteen residents in Pakil town were rushed to the hospital for food poisoning symptoms after eating halo-halo from a refreshment parlor last Thursday, a health official said.

Most of the victims were rushed to the General Juan P. Cailles Memorial District Hospital in Pakil.

Dr. Jovenal Rallos, hospital chief, said the patients have experienced nausea, vomiting and diarrhea since Thursday.

Rallos said the hospital’s “nearest finding” led to the halo-halo, although he did not identify which of the ingredients could have caused the apparent poisoning. – Ed Amoroso