Lambanog kills 4, downs 13 after drinking spree in Quezon City

MANILA, Philippines — Four tricycle drivers died and 13 others were hospitalized after they drank “lambanog” during a drinking binge in Quezon City on Saturday, police said yesterday.

Superintendent Rossel Cejas, Novaliches Police Station 4 commander, identified the fatalities as Dennis Cuadra, 37; Alvin Reyes, 42; Delfin Bayaongos, 48, and Crispulo Mateo Jr., 43.

The first three died at the Novaliches District Hospital on Sunday while Mateo expired last Monday at around 2:11 p.m. while undergoing medical treatment at the East Avenue Medical Center (EAMC).

The fatalities and 13 others had one thing in common – they all took part in a drinking binge at Barangay San Bartolome at around 3 p.m. Saturday.

The victims drank four liters of lambanog, a type of coconut liquor, during the drinking session, which lasted until late at night.

The victims were rushed to different hospitals by their relatives after complaining of severe stomach pains, Cejas said in a text message.

The 13 other victims are recuperating at the EAMC after receiving treatment for abdominal pains and difficulty in breathing.

Cejas said they are checking if the liquor which the victims drank was contaminated.

“Mahirap mag-conclude kasi titingnan muna natin yung result nung (It is hard to conclude because we have to see the result of the) examination,” he said in a television interview over GMA News.