By Jan Carlo Anolin
At least seven victims of the food poisoning incident last Wednesday at the Ynares Sports Arena in Pasig remain confined at the Pasig City General Hospital (PCGH), reports said.
Rescue team carries an old woman Wednesday afternoon, July 3, 2019, who was a victim of suspected food poisoning during an event at the Ynares Sports Arena in Pasig City. (KEVIN TRISTAN ESPIRITU / MANILA BULLETIN)
But almost all the victims of the suspected food poisoning are now safe and have been discharged from their respective hospitals, according to the Pasig City Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office (PCDRRMO).
The suspected case of the mass food poisoning affected at least 261 individuals who attended the 90th birthday celebration of former First Lady Imelda Marcos in Pasig.
Initials reports said 60 people were rushed to different hospitals in the area and cases went up drastically the next few hours.
READ MORE: Food poisoning downs 231 in Pasig celebration of Imelda Marcos’ 90th birthday
Bryant Wong, acting head of PCDRRMO, said the organizers took care of all the hospital bills of the patients.
Amelita Abulencia, 70, is among the seven patients still confined at the PCGH.
In a television report by ABS-CBN News, Abulencia, an avid fan of Imelda, said she attended the event to show her support and celebrate with the former first lady and her family.
“Wala kaming masisisi kung ano man ang nagyari sa amin. Ma’am Imelda, ‘wag na po kayo mag-alala, magaling na po kami,” Abulencia said.
PCGH Administrator Horacio Apuyan Jr. said the remaining patients were advised by their doctors to stay due to diarrhea.
According to the Department of Health, the victims showed symptoms of food poisoning after consuming a packed lunch of chicken adobo, hard-boiled egg, and rice served during the event.
READ MORE: Eggs served during Imelda’s birthday may be behind food poisoning