Updated: Over 260 Marcos supporters hospitalized for food poisoning after Imelda Marcos bday party

Photo courtesy Senator Richard Gordon twitter post

 

(Eagle News) – More than 260 persons who were among those who attended the 90th birthday party of former First Lady Imelda Marcos had been brought to various hospitals for treatment after complaining of “vomiting and dizziness to alleged food poisoning” on Wednesday, July 3.

The Department of Health confirmed the number as Health Secretary Francisco Duque III visited the victims who were hospitalized.  The exact number as of late Wednesday evening stood at 261.

Pasig City Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office (PDRRMO) acting head Bryant Wong also said that more than 200 were brought to various hospitals in Pasig City and Mandaluyong City.




Earlier, at around 2 p.m., the Philippine Red Cross said that the number of those who were brought to various hospitals was at least 137.

Senator Richard Gordon, chairman of the Philippine Red Cross (PRC), said in a tweet that some 2,000 participants attended the party in Pasig City where they were served “adobo and egg.”

The number who experienced symptoms of food poisoning, at 137, was as of 1:55 p.m., according to Gordon.

Initally, the Eastern Police District (EPD) said that 102 participants were victimized by food poisoning.

Photo courtesy Eastern Police District

The Philippine Red Cross helped in alerting nearby hospitals for possible patient transport.

The incident happened at the Ynares Sports Complex in Pasig City Wednesday morning.

At least 60 individuals were initially brought to the Pasig City hospital, while the others were brought to other nearby hospitals.

Many of the victims were senior citizens.




Senator Imee Marcos said she would call for an investigation of the incident.  She also vowed to help in the hospitalization expenses of the victims.

The Philippine National Police said it would investigate the caterer which was reponsible for the food preparation.

Police are also checking the water given to the participants.  The PDRRMO is also coordinating with the Food and Drug Adminstration (FDA) to help in the examination of the food given during the birthday party.

Colonel Rizalito Gapas of the Pasig City Police said their initial investigation showed that all the victims complained of stomach pain after attending the birthday celebration.