Students Hospitalized In Antique After Inhaling Unknown Fumes

By Rjay Zuriaga Castor

More than 200 students from a public high school in Sibalom, Antique, were rushed to hospitals Wednesday morning, July 2, after inhaling an unidentified chemical-like substance.

Broderick G. Train, head of the Provincial Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office, said students from Pis-anan National High School began showing symptoms around 8 a.m., including dizziness, fainting and difficulty breathing.

“We do not know yet the main cause of the incident,” Train said in a phone interview.

“The students said the smell was like medicine, probably pesticide, but we do not really know yet.”

As of 3 p.m., 131 students were receiving medical treatment at Ramon Maza Sr. Memorial District Hospital in Sibalom, while 27 others were confined at Angel Salazar Memorial General Hospital in San Jose de Buenavista.

Another 45 students were evaluated at a temporary triage center at the Barangay Pis-anan gymnasium.

Train added that some responders were also affected, possibly due to chemical exposure.

Classes at both Pis-anan National High School and Pis-anan Central Elementary School were suspended as a safety precaution.

The PDRRMO activated an incident command post at the barangay gym and is preparing to distribute face masks to residents if the foul odor persists.

“Our command post has been activated, and the emergency operations center is on red alert for inter-agency coordination in case the incident escalates,” Train said.

Toxicologists and medical experts from the Department of Health are en route to investigate the site and identify the source of exposure.

Antique Gov. Paolo Javier visited the hospitals and confirmed that several students at Angel Salazar Memorial are now stable and may be discharged soon.

Antique Rep. AA Legarda assured families that all medical expenses will be covered.

Dr. Ric Noel Naciongayo, head of the Antique Provincial Health Office, said Angel Salazar Memorial remains ready to accept more patients, especially if the Sibalom facility reaches full capacity.