Food poisoning downs 242 Imelda supporters

MANILA, Philippines — At least 242 supporters of former first lady Imelda Marcos were hospitalized yesterday for alleged food poisoning after attending her 90th birthday celebration in Pasig City.

Brig. Gen. Nolasco Bathan, director of the Eastern Police District, said the victims were among the 2,500 people who flocked to the Ynares Sports Complex in Barangay Oranbo for Marcos’ birthday.

Police said the supporters fell ill and were herded out of the arena at around 11:51 a.m.

The victims complained of symptoms of food poisoning such as stomach pain, dizziness and vomiting.

According to the Pasig City Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office, the victims were given first aid treatment by Red Cross responders.

Authorities said the patients were brought to the Rizal Medical Center, Medical City, Pasig City General Hospital and Polymedic General Hospital.

Barangay Oranbo chairman Richard Pua said the victims felt sick after eating food packs consisting of chicken adobo, boiled egg and rice. The supporters drank bottled mineral water provided by the event organizers.

“They suffered stomach pains and vomited,” Pua said in a radio interview.

There were no reports of patients who are in critical condition, but police said they expect the number of victims to increase.

Marcos’ daughter, Sen. Imee Marcos who was present at the event, said they would attend to the needs of the victims.

“We will look after the victims and will visit those in the hospitals,” Imee said in her Facebook page.

Spoiled eggs?

The Department of Health (DOH) said bacteria from eggs served during the party for the supporters of Marcos may have caused the food poisoning.

According to Health Secretary Francisco Duque III, the food poisoning could be due to toxin from staphylococcus aureus, a bacteria found on people’s skin.

The bacteria are usually harmless but can cause serious infections, which may lead to sepsis or death.  

“It could have come from the eggs. Reports said that the guests tasted the eggs, which could be contaminated,” Duque said.

The health secretary underscored the importance of proper food handling procedures.

The organizers of the event served the food.

Duque said results of the patients’ laboratory tests maybe out in two to three days. – With Sheila Crisostomo