Tuba-tuba downs 4 children in Iloilo

MANILA, Philippines - Four children in Barangay Rizal Pala-Pala, Zone 2 in Iloilo City fell ill after eating the poisonous fruits of jatropha plant, locally known as tuba-tuba or kasla, Friday night.

Noel Soliman Jr., Abegail Porras, and Jemar Tolentino were taken to the West Visayas State University Medical Center for treatment while Joshua Vergara was brought to the Western Visayas Medical Center.

According to Noel Soliman Sr., his son and his three playmates, aged 7 to 10 years old, were enticed to eat the fruits of tuba-tuba after it initially tasted like milk and peanut.

Minutes later, the four complained of stomach pains and started vomiting.

They were discharged from the hospital Saturday morning.

Health authorities have warned against eating the seeds or fruits of jathropa or physic nut tree because of its ill effects.

The plant has been recognized for its medicinal purposes. But recently, it became highly in-demand because of its non-edible vegetable oil that can be used as a viable alternative to petrodiesel.