ZAMBOANGA CITY – Police are investigating the death of a teenager here after allegedly using vape laced with a toxin locally known as "sabah sabah."
The teenager's mother, who requested anonymity, said her son died hours after using vape mixed with the illegal substance.
The 16-year-old male victim reportedly suffered severe physical distress after inhaling the substance and was taken to a hospital on Sunday night where doctors declared him dead at midnight due to cardiac arrest.
One of the victim's companions suffered the same symptoms but later recovered, she said.
Police are coordinating with barangay officials and witnesses to identify the source of the illegal substance.