Three persons died and 35 others were hospitalized after allegedly consuming improperly cleaned sea turtle meat in Barangay Linao, Datu Blah Sinsuat, Maguindanao del Norte, on Tuesday, Nov. 26, authorities said Monday, Dec. 2.
THREE members of the Teduray tribe died after eating allegedly tainted sea turtle meat in Barangay Linao, Datu Blah Sinsuat, Maguindanao del Norte, on Tuesday, Nov. 26. (Councilor Mohamad Sinsuat Jr. FB)
Maguindanao del Sur Integrated Provincial Health Office (IPHO) head Dr. Ariff Baguindali said the victims were members of the Teduray community.
The fatalities whose names were withheld upon the request of their families were immediately buried in accordance with local customs.
Baguindali urged residents to avoid eating improperly cleaned sea turtle meat and seafood.
All patients, except one, have recovered, Baguindali said.
Health workers are closely monitoring their condition and conducting community awareness campaigns on food safety practices.
Barangay Linao is a coastal village reliant on fishing and frequently consumes a variety of abundant marine species.
Sea turtles are classified as endangered by the International Union for Conservation of Nature.
Meanwhile, a police officer was shot dead in a mall in Cotabato City on Sunday night, Dec. 1.
The Police Regional Office-Bangsamoro Autonomous Region identified the victim as Police Master Sgt. John Manuel Bongcawil, assigned to the police regional office in Parang, Maguindanao del Norte.
Investigation said that Bongcawil was with his family in the parking area when two armed men opened fire.
Bongcawil sustained multiple bullet wounds and was taken to a hospital where he was declared dead. His family was unharmed.
The gunmen who escaped onboard a motorcycle are the subject of a police manhunt.
The PRO-BAR vowed justice for the victim.