CALABANGA, Philippines (Bicol Standard) - Two siblings were declared dead at around 8 p.m. Monday after being rushed to the hospital after eating puffer fish, known locally as "butete" or "tikong" in Camarines Sur.
John Edsel Bristol, 7 and Anton Rey Bristol, 6, both of Barangay Sabang, this town, were said to have vomited and suffered from stomach ache after eating the fish served during their dinner, according to the local police.
Meanwhile, another child identified as Arnold Reforsado, 6, an orphan who also ate part of the viand, was also rushed this morning to the Bicol Medical Center in Naga City after complaining of the same symptoms.
Personnel of the Municipal Health Office of Calabanga were informed of the incident and proceeded to the Bristol residence to obtain a sample of the leftover puffer fish for analysis and examination.
The Calabanga Municipal Police Station and Local Government Unit are currently conducting a parallel investigation on the incident.
***
Melissa Basmayor is the editor-in-chief of Bicol Standard, regional partner of Philstar.com.