HUNDREDS FALL ILL: Lab Results of Antique Toxic Fume Incident Out in a Week

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By Rjay Zuriaga Castor

Health authorities are investigating a suspected toxic fume incident that led to the hospitalization of hundreds of students and residents in Sibalom, Antique on Wednesday, July 2.

Dr. Rommel Garganera, Department of Health (DOH) Antique head, said Thursday that samples collected near the affected schools are undergoing laboratory testing.

The samples were sent to Ateneo de Manila University, and results are expected in more than a week.

A DOH-6 team of toxicologists and medical professionals conducted an ocular inspection of the area around Pis-anan National High School and Pis-anan Central Elementary School.

Swab samples were collected from the site where a foul odor reportedly triggered symptoms among students.

The investigation is also examining nearby agricultural activities, as both schools are surrounded by rice fields.

Students reportedly experienced symptoms such as headaches, dizziness, shortness of breath, abdominal pain, nausea, vomiting, chest tightness, and fainting after inhaling an odor described as similar to “guava.”

An initial report from the Provincial Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office (PDRRMO) indicated that the odor may have come from insecticide sprayed near the school.

“The chemical odor is believed to have drifted into the school grounds and classrooms, exposing students and staff,” the report stated.

As of 8:30 a.m. Thursday, Ramon Maza Sr. Memorial District Hospital in Sibalom had 71 patients admitted, seven outpatients, and 94 discharged.

Angel Salazar Memorial General Hospital in San Jose de Buenavista had seven admitted patients and 89 outpatients, with no discharges reported.

A triage center set up at the Barangay Pis-anan gym evaluated and stabilized 172 individuals.

Most of the patients were aged 7 to 18, with a 7-year-old recorded as the youngest.

“Eventually, our medical experts in the field will re-evaluate them and decide who needs further evaluation and possible management,” said Dr. Ric Noel Naciongayo of the Provincial Health Office.

Health officials ruled out mass hysteria, stating that most patients had indeed inhaled a suspicious substance.

Antique Rep. AA Legarda said the incident exposed critical gaps in the province’s emergency healthcare system.

“A personal evaluation is not. We’re far from an ideal situation. We have to work on this,” he said.

Hospitals were overwhelmed Wednesday evening, prompting the installation of temporary tents at Angel Salazar Memorial General Hospital.

The provincial government also requested additional beds, fans, and medical staff to handle the patient surge.

The PDRRMO reported that nearly 350 people received medical attention due to the incident.

The Sibalom local government advised residents in affected areas to wear face masks as a precaution.

Classes were suspended at the two affected schools and nine other elementary schools from July 3 to 4.

The Bureau of Fire Protection will hose down school facilities to remove any remaining traces of the suspected chemical, as recommended by the DOH.

Sen. Loren Legarda has allocated PHP50 million to cover medical expenses for those affected.