BUTUAN CITY – The distribution of hot food provided by some sectors to internally displaced residents brought about by the shear line and low-pressure area in Agusan del Sur was temporarily suspended due to alleged food poisoning.
AGUSAN del Sur Gov. Santiago B. Cane Jr. (right) visits food poisoning victims in a hospital in Esperanza town, Agusan del Sur province. (Photo courtesy of Agusan del Sur Provincial-PIO)
Agusan del Sur Gov. Santiago B. Cane Jr. issued the order on Tuesday while investigation of the incident is still ongoing.
“We are urgently requesting the temporary suspension of the hot food truck activity,” the provincial chief executive said.
“Ako usang isuspend and pagpanghatag sa mga giluto para sa mga katawhan, mintrastanto ginahimo pa ang laboratory exam (I will just suspend the distribution of cooked food for the residents while laboratory tests is still ongoing), except the distribution of family food packs, such as rice, canned goods, and other immediate needs of the flood victims,” Cane said in an interview with a local radio station here on Wednesday morning, February 21.
The provincial chief executive stressed that the suspension is necessary pending the results of laboratory tests conducted on the victims to ascertain the cause of the alleged poisoning.
“We sincerely appreciate your understanding and cooperation in prioritizing the health and safety of our community members,” Cane stressed.
”Thank God that no fatality was recorded,” he said.
The governor assured victims of full support from the provincial government.
Cane visited residents of Esperanza, Agusan del Sur, who were confined at the Esperanza Medicare Community Hospital after experiencing vomiting and abdominal pain on Monday, February 19.
He is closely monitoring the plight of victims and is working closely with medical professionals to ensure their welfare and resolve the situation.
Some of the 123 food poisoning victims in Barangay Tandang Sora have been discharged.
Barangay Tandang Sora is among severely hit villages in the province during the flooding for almost three weeks.
The municipal government assured victims that they will take care of their hospital bills and other medical expenses. Victims were also given non-cook family food packs and farming needs.