LEGAZPI CITY, Philippines — Two children reportedly died after eating chicken intestine locally known as isaw and grilled blood or ”betamax” in Milaor town in Camarines Sur.
A police report identified the fatalities as Lyka Lopez, 10, and her sister Mary Joty, 13, who died on July 6 and July 10, respectively.
A brother of the fatalities, Jay-ar, 14, remains confined at the Bicol Medical Center.
The victims reportedly complained of severe stomach pain and malaise a few hours after eating isaw and betamax they bought from an ambulant vendor.
Carpenter Rogelio Matulin, 63; his wife Jocelyn, 39, and their seven children also fell ill after eating isaw for breakfast in Barangay Antongalon, Butuan City yesterday.
Matulin said he bought isaw from work on Friday.
The victims were taken to the Butuan Medical Center for treatment.
On Camotes island, a family of eight were hospitalized after eating a root crop locally known as kuot in Barangay Union, San Francisco on Thursday.
The victims complained of dizziness and vomiting and were brought to the Ricardo L. Maningo Memorial Hospital then transferred to the Cebu Provincial Hospital.
Provincial health officer Rene Catan said kuot resembles gabi (yam), but it requires special preparation to be safe for consumption. – With Ben Serrano, Le Phyllis Antojado/The Freeman