Food poisoning not intentional

KIDAPAWAN CITY - Top local officials of Makilala town in North Cotabato denied accusations the food poisoning incident, which victimized at least 100 participants in the fun run activity on Wednesday, was intentionally done to spoil the festival in line with the town’s 58th foundation anniversary.

"I don't think that was deliberately done to spoil the fun. It was just an accident, I’m sure of that," said Makilala municipal administrator Boy Villavicencio.

Villavicencio said the LGU has arranged the catering services with at least four big restaurants in Kidapawan City.

Despite his initial statement that the poisoning was not intentional, he assured residents a full-scale investigation would be done so that “truth would come out.”

"We would like to know what caused the food poisoning. At this time, we’re still investigating," he said.

All the victims ate patel or pastel, rice toppings mixed with boiled egg and mashed chicken adobo wrapped with banana leaves, prepared by the caterers for the Fun Run, one of the highlights of the 2nd Sinabadan Festival.

Sinabadan is a Bagobo term, which means "feast" and "thanksgiving."

Of the more than 100 victims of food poisoning, at least 91 still remain at different hospitals in Makilala town and Kidapawan City, said Makilala mayor Rudy Caoagdan.

Of the number, 39 patients are treated at the Makilala Medical Specialist Hospital; 18 at the Kidapawan Doctors Hospital Inc.; 33 at the Kidapawan Medical Specialist Center; and one at the Midway Hospital.

The patients complained of severe headache, abdominal pains, and diarrhea or loose bowel movement.