MANILA, Philippines - More than 200 students in six municipalities in Surigao del Sur were allegedly poisoned after eating durian and mangosteen candies on Friday, July 10, reports said.
Cagwait information officer Rogen Tabugoc said that affected areas of the 'poisoning' are the municipalities of Lianga, San Agustin, Marihatag, Tandag City and Tago.
A recent report from CNN Philippines said that one person died with hundreds currently treated in the nearest hospitals.
The victims suffered from stomachache, vomiting and dizziness after they ate durian and mangosteen candy sold or given to them in the streets.
Tabugoc added that the candies were sold by by unidentified men at a cheaper price and the students bought it around 10am during recess.
The Office of Civil Defense in CARAGA Region has confirmed that the candies were already expired.
Cagwait authorities have yet to determine the motives for the incident, which they described as "similar to a terrorist attack." The municipality also advised the public not to accept candies from strangers.
As of press time, 7 vendors were already arrested, 5 in Cagwait and 2 in Tandag City, according to Tandag City Administrator Alexander Pimentel. Official statement from authority is yet to be announced.
WATCH: Durian, mangosteen candies poison 200 students in Surigao del Sur (video courtesy of GMA News)
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| Alleged 'durian' candy that poisoned 200 kids in Surigao del Sur towns. Photo Credit: Jude Ramos/ Cortes DRRMO |
A recent report from CNN Philippines said that one person died with hundreds currently treated in the nearest hospitals.
The victims suffered from stomachache, vomiting and dizziness after they ate durian and mangosteen candy sold or given to them in the streets.
Isa si YouScooper Troy Plaza sa mga nagsugod sa ospital ng mga biktima ng hinihinalang food poisoning sa Cagwait,...
Posted by GMA News on Friday, July 10, 2015
Tabugoc added that the candies were sold by by unidentified men at a cheaper price and the students bought it around 10am during recess.
The Office of Civil Defense in CARAGA Region has confirmed that the candies were already expired.
Cagwait authorities have yet to determine the motives for the incident, which they described as "similar to a terrorist attack." The municipality also advised the public not to accept candies from strangers.
As of press time, 7 vendors were already arrested, 5 in Cagwait and 2 in Tandag City, according to Tandag City Administrator Alexander Pimentel. Official statement from authority is yet to be announced.
WATCH: Durian, mangosteen candies poison 200 students in Surigao del Sur (video courtesy of GMA News)
